A deconstruction of the I-M-L commitment segmentation of forest recreationists

Abstract

Previous work has established the general utility of segmenting forest recreationists according to their commitment profiles into Indifferents, Moderates, and Loyalists (IML) groups. Observed differences between these segments suggest that place identity and affect are more central to management than previously thought. This study extends this finding through the use of deconstruction analysis across common activity groupings that encapsulate use and lifestyle factors, namely visitor centers, trailheads, off highway vehicle (OHV) areas and developed sites. Results again show strong consistency in the IML segmentation itself, with only value congruence substantially not conforming. This analysis finds little evidence that alternative cultural values or social power issues are significant factors in the segmentation, and further reinforces the finding that the commitment profile segmentation is robust and stable.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Absher, James D.; Kyle, Gerard T. 2007. A deconstruction of the I-M-L commitment segmentation of forest recreationists. In: Burns, R.; Robinson, K., comps. Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2006 April 9-11; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-14. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 42-46.