The stereotype-emotion-interaction relationship : a tourist-resident dual perspective

Abstract

Tourist–resident interactions are essential for determining the social dynamics and sustainability of destinations, but their formation mechanisms from both perspectives are lacking. Based on the behaviours from inter-group affect and stereotypes map and social identity theory, through two surveys, this study explored the relationship between stereotypes, emotions, and interactive behavioural intentions. It also examined the moderating effect of social identity on the relationship between emotions and interactive behavioural intentions. The results demonstrated different mechanisms for interactive behavioural intention formation across people with different social identities and between Mainland Chinese tourists and Hong Kong residents. Moreover, social identity exerted different moderating effects on the relationship between positive and negative emotional pathways, highlighting the importance of emotional valence in the stereotype–interaction link. This study offers a reciprocal view to understand tourist–resident interactions at destinations and provides insightful implications for destination management organisations, tourism operators, and local communities.