Conceptualizing and measuring environmentally responsible behaviors from the perspective of community-based tourists

This study aims to develop a reliable and valid measurement to assess the general and site-specific environmentally responsible behavior of community-based tourists. Three studies are conducted: study 1 generates an initial pool of scale items, study 2 develops a measurement scale, and study 3 examines the cross-validation of this measurement scale. A generic measure for environmentally responsible behavior is developed using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Analytical results demonstrate the effectiveness of a 24-item scale with a first-order, seven-factor model that further elucidates the general and site-specific environmentally responsible behavior of community-based tourists. This research instrument is tested for its reliability, content validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. While exhibiting cross-validation by a tight replication strategy, this study offers researchers an invaluable instrument to better conceptualize and measure the environmentally responsible behavior of community-based tourists. Finally, managerial implications of this study are discussed, along with recommendations for future research.

► We develop a reliable and valid measurement to assess ERB of tourists.
► We conceptualize and measure both general and site-specific ERBs.
► Three studies are conducted in this study.
► This paper exhibits cross-validation by the tight replication strategy.
► We provide management implications for sustainable community-based tourism.