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Social distance between residents and international tourists--Implications for international business

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  • Sinkovics, Rudolf R.
  • Penz, Elfriede

Abstract

This paper uses the social distance concept and employs a revised version of Bogardus' [Bogardus, E. S. (1933b). Social problems and social processes: Selected papers from the proceedings of the American sociological society. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press] social-distance scale, to explore cognitive structures of Austrian residents towards Japanese and German tourists. The removal of conflicts between residents and international tourists is vital to improve the economic outcomes of the exchange of individuals from various cultural backgrounds. This can help the tourism sector, which is significant factor in the service industry. Data from a quota-sample of 449 respondents, commenting on everyday life interactions with German and Japanese tourists is used. Similarity analysis methodology is applied to 'link' statements and interpret differences in views towards tourist encounters. Austrian residents view tourist groups similar in terms of brief interactions (e.g. when visiting museums or walking in gardens). However, long-term relationships (e.g. kindergarten and schools vs. personal invitation to homes) manifest themselves differently. The cognitive structures of interaction we identify can be seen as conflict-coping strategies. For residents, social distance serves as a means to avoid malfunctioning relationships. In that respect, Austrians are more reluctant to engage in personal interactions with Japanese tourists than with German tourists. The paper concludes with managerial recommendations for international business and tourism managers that are designed to improve social and economic performance of interaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Sinkovics, Rudolf R. & Penz, Elfriede, 2009. "Social distance between residents and international tourists--Implications for international business," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 18(5), pages 457-469, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:18:y:2009:i:5:p:457-469
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    3. Joo, Dongoh & Tasci, Asli D.A. & Woosnam, Kyle M. & Maruyama, Naho U. & Hollas, Chadley R. & Aleshinloye, Kayode D., 2018. "Residents' attitude towards domestic tourists explained by contact, emotional solidarity and social distance," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 245-257.
    4. Manuel Portugal Ferreira & Nuno Rosa Reis & Fernando Ribeiro Serra & Benny Kramer Costa, 2013. "Understanding the footprint of the RBV in International Business studies: The last twenty years of research," Working Papers 96, globADVANTAGE, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria.
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    7. Manuel Aníbal Silva Portugal Vasconcelos Ferreira & Nuno Rosa Reis & Fernando A. Ribeiro Serra & Benny Kramer Costa, 2014. "Understanding the Footprint of the RBV in International Business Studies: the Last Twenty Years of Research," Brazilian Business Review, Fucape Business School, vol. 11(4), pages 53-83, August.
    8. Ivan Ka Wai Lai & Michael Hitchcock & Dong Lu & Yide Liu, 2018. "The Influence of Word of Mouth on Tourism Destination Choice: Tourist–Resident Relationship and Safety Perception among Mainland Chinese Tourists Visiting Macau," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-17, June.
    9. Rafael Robina-Ramírez & Marcelo Sánchez-Oro & Mª Teresa Cabezas-Hernández & Margarita Calleja-Aldana, 2020. "Host and Guest Social Exchange in Developing Tourist Sites: The Case of the International Tagus Natural Park," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-18, September.
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