Developing an integrated resort’s (IR) environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) measurement scale

Despite its economic benefits, the integrated resort (IR) industry faces social concerns, including pollution, gambling addiction, and community conflicts. To counter these issues, managing ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices becomes crucial for IRs. However, IRs need more specific ESG measurement scales to ensure progress. This study aims to fill this gap by developing a new scale tailored to assess ESG activities in IRs. Using a mixed methodology, the study identified six key factors: environment, internal/external stakeholders, responsible gambling, safety and health, and governance. Rigorous statistical analysis confirmed the validity and predictive power of the developed scale. Theoretically, this study introduces the first-ever ESG scale for IRs, including the unique "responsible gambling" factor. It equips resort managers with a tool to build ESG strategies, gain social acceptance, and ultimately boost profitability. By embracing ESG principles and utilizing this new scale, IRs can ensure sustainable growth while minimizing negative impacts.