Exploring the relevance of Social Exchange Theory in the Middle East: A case study of tourism in Dubai, UAE
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Whilst numerous studies have explored residents' perceptions of tourism, there are three significant gaps with Social Exchange Theory (SET). First, the appropriateness and generalisability; second, the heterogeneity of host population perceptions; third, perceptions in non‐Western empirical contexts. A mixed methods study was conducted, using 36 face‐to‐face interviews with expatriates and nationals in Dubai to develop a survey instrument which returned over 400 responses. Results show that whilst SET is appropriate and partially generalisable, substantial adjustments are required to account for external factors such as culture and the political environment. We propose a new theory of Tourism Returns and Moderators to show a more holistic outcome, weighted perceptions, varying moderators, and greater individualised focus. In this study, participants had a preference to support tourism, did not refer to a cost‐benefit trade‐off, and generally favoured economic benefits over others.
DOI: 10.1002/jtr.2560
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4308585255