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All lives matter. An analysis of internationals' living conditions in Seoul, Korea, using an extended image–satisfaction–loyalty mechanism

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  • Tae‐Hyoung Tommy Gim

Abstract

We indirectly analyze the residential environment for long‐staying internationals in Seoul, Korea, by extending the image–satisfaction–loyalty mechanism widely used in tourism, specifically by examining the internationals' satisfaction and loyalty. We consider residential difficulties, sociodemographics, and survey years along with image as exogenous variables and evaluate satisfaction not only in terms of its absolute but also its relative level, which is the difference between absolute satisfaction (AS) and previous expectation. Tourism studies have measured loyalty using individuals' intention to recommend to another and their own revisit intention, but we evaluate the revisit intention with place attachment/hometown perception, which is more suitable for long‐staying residents. The variables are measured with 2016–2018 data from an annual quality of life survey for Seoul residents (n = 5279 individuals) and analyzed with structural equation modeling. Our results show that the conventionally used AS is associated only with recommendation intention, but the relative satisfaction (RS) both with recommendation intention and hometown perception. Regarding the exogenous variables, AS is substantially affected by image and RS is somewhat strongly influenced by residential difficulties. However, image is the principal determinant of loyalty level, whether recommendation intention or hometown perception. These findings confirm the applicability of the image–satisfaction–loyalty mechanism not only to short‐staying inbound tourists but also to long‐staying international residents.

Suggested Citation

  • Tae‐Hyoung Tommy Gim, 2023. "All lives matter. An analysis of internationals' living conditions in Seoul, Korea, using an extended image–satisfaction–loyalty mechanism," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(3), pages 652-673, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:growch:v:54:y:2023:i:3:p:652-673
    DOI: 10.1111/grow.12664
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tae-Hyoung Tommy Gim, 2018. "Tourist Satisfaction, Image, and Loyalty from an Interregional Perspective: An Analysis of Neighboring Areas with Distinct Characteristics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-18, April.
    2. Tae‐Hyoung Tommy Gim, 2020. "The relationship between overall happiness and perceived transportation services relative to other individual and environmental variables," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(2), pages 712-733, June.
    3. Karin Amit, 2010. "Determinants of Life Satisfaction Among Immigrants from Western Countries and from the FSU in Israel," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 96(3), pages 515-534, May.
    4. Gabriel Cepeda Carrión & Christian Nitzl & José L. Roldán, 2017. "Mediation Analyses in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling: Guidelines and Empirical Examples," Springer Books, in: Hengky Latan & Richard Noonan (ed.), Partial Least Squares Path Modeling, chapter 0, pages 173-195, Springer.
    5. Xinshu Zhao & John G. Lynch & Qimei Chen, 2010. "Reconsidering Baron and Kenny: Myths and Truths about Mediation Analysis," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 37(2), pages 197-206, August.
    6. David Bartram, 2011. "Economic Migration and Happiness: Comparing Immigrants’ and Natives’ Happiness Gains From Income," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 103(1), pages 57-76, August.
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    1. Tae-Hyoung Tommy Gim, 2024. "Unpacking the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on regional mobility, economy, and sustainability: insights from Asia and beyond," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 72(3), pages 831-835, March.

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