Self-Congruity Theory in Tourism Research Systematic Analysis Using HistCite

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores the knowledge infrastructure、hotspot and development trends of tourism self-congruity research based on a systematic literature review using HistCite.
 
 Design/methodology/approach: This study is based on 171 articles published from 1981 to 2023 that were retrieved from the Web of Science database. This study utilizes bibliometric analysis and network analysis to investigate the structure and connections of knowledge related to tourism self-congruity.
 
 Findings: The results demonstrate the progression and trends of tourism self-congruity research. This is the first study to overcome the limitations of previous systematic literature reviews in tourism self-congruity research by employing network analysis techniques of HistCite to uncover the interconnected structures, focal areas, and advancements within the domain of tourism self-congruity research.
 
 Research & Practical implications: The study can provide tourism self-congruity researchers with a reference guide to the focus of previous studies and directions for future research. Through this study, practitioners can also identify overarching themes that may be incorporated with current tourist self-congruity research.
 
 Originality/value: As a summary of essential characteristics, this paper provides researchers with a useful reference guide to previous studies. This study presents a comprehensive overview of tourism self-congruity field and highlights the hotspot and development trends within tourism self-congruity research. Based on the results, the potential avenues for future investigation are provided.