Examining the Formation of Resident Support for Tourism: An Integration of Social Exchange Theory and Tolerance Zone Theory

Xue Qin, Shun Ye (), Fuhua Xiang and Chunyan Wang
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Xue Qin: School of Management, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Shun Ye: School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Fuhua Xiang: School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Chunyan Wang: College of Economic and Management, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-22

Abstract: Resident support toward tourism is often analyzed through the lens of the “benefits vs. costs” paradigm within social exchange theory. However, empirical observations have shown instances where residents remain supportive despite costs outweighing benefits, challenging the conventional social exchange logic. To address this paradox, this study introduces the Tolerance Zone Theory. A conceptual framework has been constructed wherein the influence of negative tourism factors is contingent upon residents’ level of tolerance. This tolerance is, in turn, molded by the presence of positive outcomes derived from tourism. This framework was tested using survey data gathered from 514 residents in ethnic villages in Guizhou Province, China. The results validate the moderating effect of tolerance, demonstrating that high tolerance can mitigate the impact of negative tourism outcomes on resident support. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Keywords: residents’ support for tourism; tolerance; social exchange theory; ethnic tourism; tourism impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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