Resident Attribution and Tourist Stereotypes

Abstract

The value of attribution theory in explaining and predicting resident perceptions of/reactions toward tourists is underestimated by tourism scholars. This article critically analyses the evolution and underdevelopment of attribution theory, as well as the literature on tourist stereotypes which serve as heuristics that may bias attribution. Under the guidance of dual process theories, a comprehensive conceptual framework is developed to delineate the interactions between a three-step resident attribution process of encounters with tourists and tourist stereotypes’ activation, application/suppression, and modification. Potentially fruitful directions are suggested for future research. This conceptual article not only pioneers in establishing conceptual links between a tourism phenomenon and a social psychological theoretical development, but it also broadens the research paradigm of resident–tourist relationship studies.

Factors affecting intended hospitable behaviour to tourists: hosting Chinese tourists in a post-Covid-19 world

“…Furthermore, the current research also establishes the influence of the opinions concerning the responsibility for the spread of the virus on risk perceptions and views about the people, thus also indirectly affecting the potential behaviour of the host community. Therefore, the study confirms Hsu and Chen's (2019) suggestion that attribution of responsibility may explain the local people's attitudes and behaviour towards visitors. This conclusion is particularly relevant in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, as attribution of responsibility is seen to be a significant explanatory variable in our study.…”

“…Attributing the responsibility for an action to an organization is found to lead to negative emotions towards the offending party (Breitsohl & Garrod, 2016). In addition, in a recent article, Hsu and Chen (2019) propose that attribution of responsibility to the tourists for negative tourism impacts may explain the local community's attitudes and behavioural responses to visitors. Hsu and Chen (2019) further argue that stereotypes and attribution of responsibility are linked together.…”

“…In addition, in a recent article, Hsu and Chen (2019) propose that attribution of responsibility to the tourists for negative tourism impacts may explain the local community's attitudes and behavioural responses to visitors. Hsu and Chen (2019) further argue that stereotypes and attribution of responsibility are linked together. Furthermore, attribution of responsibility is also found to lead to a greater perception of risk, as the individual's perceived own ability to control the undesirable situation is decreased (Chang et al, 2016).…”

Exploring the consequences of COVID-19 on tourist behaviors: perceived travel risk, animosity and intentions to travel

“…Locus of control has been used to study future behavioral intentions (Hareli and Hess, 2008), including visitation of an international destination (Hsu and Chen, 2019). If tourists are harassed at a holiday destination, it may deter them from revisiting that location (Badu-Baiden et al , 2016).…”

Deconstructing the Overtourism-Related Social Conflicts

“…The authors claimed that from the perspective of residents, every tourism conflict can be perceived in terms of cultural, social, and resource/transactional issues. Within the cultural conflict, besides the traditionally indicated elements such as the commercialization of the host culture, the use of natural and cultural resources, and the degree of economic dependence of the destination community [51], it is crucial to understand the interactive influence of tourist stereotypes and the attribution process of residents' encounters with tourists [62]. The resource/transactional conflict refers to physical space conflicts that result from residents' physical space (e.g., leisure facilities and public transportation) being occupied by visitors [60,61].…”