Revisiting residents’ support through collective rationality: The role of relational embeddedness

Although a significant amount of research has focused on residents' support for tourism development, limited attention has been given to understanding the role of relational embeddedness. The primary objective of this study is to investigate how relational embeddedness influences resident support in rural destinations. A theoretical model based on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework was developed, where three dimensions of relational embeddedness will enhance resident support by increasing perceived benefits and reducing perceived costs. The model was then tested based on data comprising 378 valid samples by a cross-sectional survey in Xijiang Qianhu Miao village. The findings generally supported the anticipated relationships. This study contributes to the understanding of residents' support by adopting a “social perspective” and shedding light on the significance of social network traits. It also empowers governments to encourage residents’ supportive behaviors, and ensure the sustainability of tourism development.