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The effect of destination social responsibility on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Da Lat City






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Abstract

This study applies the SOR (Stimulus – Organism – Response) cognitive-emotional-behavioral theoretical model to examine how destination social responsibility impacts residents’pro-environmental behaviors through positive emotions, destination preference, and destination attachment. The SOR model is an approach to psychology that studies specific situations and environments and allows researchers to take a closer look at the psychological and socio-emotional influences on human behavior. On that basis, an integrated model was proposed and tested using survey data from Dalat, a city in Vietnam. The research was conducted based on a survey of 351 residents. On that basis, linear structural modeling (SEM) is used to learn and analyze the impact relationships between variables in the research model. Research results show that awareness of destination social responsibility has a positive impact on residents’ environmentally responsible behaviors through three intermediate factors: positive emotions, destination preference; and destination attachment, which have a positive influence on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors. Meanwhile, destination social responsibility also impacts in the same direction as positive emotions and destination preference; Both positive emotions and destination preference have a positive impact on destination attachment. In addition, the study’s results of the study also show that destination social responsibility does not directly affect residents’ pro-environmental behaviors, but only has an indirect impact through three intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. These research results not only clarify the relationship between tourism destination social responsibility and residents’ environmentally responsible behaviors but also have a certain significance in providing practical guidance for destination operators to develop effective destination social responsibility messages that promote environmentally responsible activities among residents. The research results are also a good reference for stakeholders such as destination management organizations and local tourism service providers in working towards sustainable tourism development.

Introduction

Tourism development raises concerns about environmental degradation at tourist destinations 1 . Meanwhile, the environment at the destination and the residential community are essential and indispensable factors in creating tourism products 2 . Residents have been recognized as an important destination stakeholder in sustainable tourism development strategies 3 . The number of people in Dalat city accounts for a relatively large proportion with the urban population of 142,776 residents accounting for 89% and the rural population of 17,887 residents accounting for 11% 4 . Moreover, Dalat has 24 tourist attractions and 90 other attractive attractions, so targeting environmental protection behaviors at the destination is very important to contribute to maintaining and developing the destination 5 . Destination social responsibility is a new environmental concept that demonstrates the social responsibility of destination stakeholders to promote responsible tourism growth 1 . Residents engage in environmentally responsible actions differently, because their personal norms respond differently to sustainable practices at the destination 6 . Therefore, the attitude of local residents is one of the important principles for responsible tourism development because the supportive participation of residents in pro-environmental behaviors is very important to ensure sustainable tourism development 7 . Sustainable tourism development is specifically through actions demonstrating the DSR of relevant parties such as destination management organizations and local tourism service providers, tourists, and residents. An exemplary implementation of destination social responsibility brings positive impacts to local economic development and enhances the attraction of tourist destinations 8 . The topic of destination social responsibility is also one of the topics that many scholars have been interested in researching recently. Specifically, Su et al (2018) learn about destination social responsibility that affects residents' environmental behavior 1 ; or Su et al (2016) talk about the impact of tourism destination social responsibility on the quality of relationships with residents and the economic efficiency of tourism destinations 3 ; Hu et al (2019) learn about the impact of destination social responsibility on residents’ tourism support behavior 2 , Li et al (2022) studied the effect of DSR on tourists' pro-environmental behavior 9 , Lee et al (2021) studied the impact of DSR on tourists' pro-environmental behavior through the VIP model 6 . However, there are very few studies exploring the relationship of DSR to the environmentally responsible behavior of local residents at the destination.

Residents are critical stakeholders in protecting the natural environment at tourist destinations. Furthermore, in recent times, activities lacking social responsibility in destinations such as leveling forests to build amusement parks and accommodation facilities in Dalat have become more and more frequent, and the climate is getting hotter due to urbanization, heavy pollution destroys the tourist destination of Cam Ly waterfall or the water source at Xuan Huong Lake is no longer as fresh as before. This is without a sense of social responsibility to overcome and improve the destination. Tourism will decline and gradually deteriorate in the eyes of tourists. Moreover, it is also impossible to maintain sustainable tourism development 10 .

Moreover, if you want to maintain a green environment at a tourist destination, it requires the contribution of specific stakeholders such as: residents at the destination, tourists, destination management organizations, local government. Residents are one of the important stakeholders contributing to environmental protection, because local people are direct participants in the process of producing and selling tourism products to tourists. Therefore, their behaviors have a direct impact on the destination environment. Therefore, studying the impact of destination social responsibility on residents' environmentally responsible behaviors are very important for destination management organizations and tourism service providers in Dalat. This article analyzes the influence of DSR on residents' environmentally responsible behavior as well as identifies the influence of three intermediary factors: positive emotions, destination love and destination attachment, on Dalat city residents' environmentally responsible behavior. This research also contributes to strategic and operational management practice guidelines for both tourism companies and governments to promote residents’ pro-environmental behaviors.

Literature review

Destination Social Responsibility (DSR)

The concept of destination social responsibility (DSR) was developed from the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to pay attention to the social responsibility and obligations of businesses 7 , 8 , 11 . DSR reflects the social responsibility activities of stakeholders at the destination to achieve sustainable tourism development 12 . According to Su & Huang (2012), DSR is the operational obligation of stakeholders at a destination 10 . According to Su et al (2016), DSR is the stakeholders' collective ideology and effort of stakeholders at a destination to carry out socially responsible activities as perceived by local residents 13 . According to stakeholder theory and social exchange theory, residents’ perception of social responsibility will affect their perception of the impact of tourism, thereby affecting their attitudes and behaviors 1 . DSR is defined as awareness of obligations and activities that apply to all stakeholders including tourists, residents, workers, investors, governments, tourism service providers and competitors 3 . In recent years, more and more tourist destinations have begun to promote socially responsible activities, such as local community participation in tourism, sustainable environmental management and public relations 14 . DSR can also be defined as the obligations and activities of stakeholders at a tourism destination to achieve sustainable tourism growth 6 .

Pro-environmental Behaviors

Destination social responsibility activities have a significant impact on individuals' perceptions and behavior towards a tourism destination 15 . Pro-environmental behaviors are also known as environmentally responsible behaviors and environmentally friendly behaviors. Environmental protection behavior originates from individuals' desire to reduce negative impacts on the natural environment and promote sustainable development of resources 16 , 17 . Human attitudes and behaviors will significantly impact resources and environmental protection at the destination 9 . Individuals' pro-environmental behaviors acts as an active decision-making behaviors regarding environmental protection and are influenced by many factors 17 . According to Lee at al (2019), pro-environmental activities aim to strengthen environmentally sustainable management in nature-based destinations and protected areas 18 . Environmentally responsible behaviors are often described as behaviors that value the environment and these behaviors are demonstrated by actions such as recycling, education, green consumption, and community activities 19 , 20 . On the other hand, in the context of thriving ecotourism, the pro-environmental behaviors of stakeholders focus on mutual understanding of the impact of one's behaviors and compliance with the standards of ecological destination 21 . Many different terms also use pro-environmental behaviors are also used by many different terms to describe by many scholars, including: environmentally responsible behaviors, environmentally significant behaviors, environmentally related behaviors, sustainable behaviors 22 .

Pro-environmental Behaviors

Destination social responsibility activities have a significant impact on individuals' perceptions and behavior towards a tourism destination 15 . Pro-environmental behaviors are also known as environmentally responsible behaviors and environmentally friendly behaviors. Environmental protection behavior originates from individuals' desire to reduce negative impacts on the natural environment and promote sustainable development of resources 16 , 17 . Human attitudes and behaviors will significantly impact resources and environmental protection at the destination 9 . Individuals' pro-environmental behaviors acts as an active decision-making behaviors regarding environmental protection and are influenced by many factors 17 . According to Lee at al (2019), pro-environmental activities aim to strengthen environmentally sustainable management in nature-based destinations and protected areas 18 . Environmentally responsible behaviors are often described as behaviors that value the environment and these behaviors are demonstrated by actions such as recycling, education, green consumption, and community activities 19 , 20 . On the other hand, in the context of thriving ecotourism, the pro-environmental behaviors of stakeholders focus on mutual understanding of the impact of one's behaviors and compliance with the standards of ecological destination 21 . Many different terms also use pro-environmental behaviors are also used by many different terms to describe by many scholars, including: environmentally responsible behaviors, environmentally significant behaviors, environmentally related behaviors, sustainable behaviors 22 .

Pro-environmental Behaviors

Destination social responsibility activities have a significant impact on individuals' perceptions and behavior towards a tourism destination 15 . Pro-environmental behaviors are also known as environmentally responsible behaviors and environmentally friendly behaviors. Environmental protection behavior originates from individuals' desire to reduce negative impacts on the natural environment and promote sustainable development of resources 16 , 17 . Human attitudes and behaviors will significantly impact resources and environmental protection at the destination 9 . Individuals' pro-environmental behaviors acts as an active decision-making behaviors regarding environmental protection and are influenced by many factors 17 . According to Lee at al (2019), pro-environmental activities aim to strengthen environmentally sustainable management in nature-based destinations and protected areas 18 . Environmentally responsible behaviors are often described as behaviors that value the environment and these behaviors are demonstrated by actions such as recycling, education, green consumption, and community activities 19 , 20 . On the other hand, in the context of thriving ecotourism, the pro-environmental behaviors of stakeholders focus on mutual understanding of the impact of one's behaviors and compliance with the standards of ecological destination 21 . Many different terms also use pro-environmental behaviors are also used by many different terms to describe by many scholars, including: environmentally responsible behaviors, environmentally significant behaviors, environmentally related behaviors, sustainable behaviors 22 .

Pro-environmental Behaviors

Destination social responsibility activities have a significant impact on individuals' perceptions and behavior towards a tourism destination 15 . Pro-environmental behaviors are also known as environmentally responsible behaviors and environmentally friendly behaviors. Environmental protection behavior originates from individuals' desire to reduce negative impacts on the natural environment and promote sustainable development of resources 16 , 17 . Human attitudes and behaviors will significantly impact resources and environmental protection at the destination 9 . Individuals' pro-environmental behaviors acts as an active decision-making behaviors regarding environmental protection and are influenced by many factors 17 . According to Lee at al (2019), pro-environmental activities aim to strengthen environmentally sustainable management in nature-based destinations and protected areas 18 . Environmentally responsible behaviors are often described as behaviors that value the environment and these behaviors are demonstrated by actions such as recycling, education, green consumption, and community activities 19 , 20 . On the other hand, in the context of thriving ecotourism, the pro-environmental behaviors of stakeholders focus on mutual understanding of the impact of one's behaviors and compliance with the standards of ecological destination 21 . Many different terms also use pro-environmental behaviors are also used by many different terms to describe by many scholars, including: environmentally responsible behaviors, environmentally significant behaviors, environmentally related behaviors, sustainable behaviors 22 .

Hypotheses development

The relationship between DSR and stakeholders’ pro-environmental behaviors has been conducted in several studies worldwide. The results of studies show that DSR is an essential factor that positively influences stakeholders’ environmentally responsible behavior such as tourists 1 , 6 , 9 , 12 . However, studies addressing the impact of DSR on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors are still very limited 1 ; residents are the tourist destination's core stakeholders. Therefore, their attitudes, behaviors and their pro-environmental behaviors are play essential roles in the tourism development of the destination 24 . Besides, there are very few previous studies examining the role of mediating variables in the relationship between DSR and residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In this study, the authors review and analyze the impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat based on relevant intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. The concepts for these intermediate variables and the basis for forming the model with the intermediate variables are explained next.

Hypotheses development

The relationship between DSR and stakeholders’ pro-environmental behaviors has been conducted in several studies worldwide. The results of studies show that DSR is an essential factor that positively influences stakeholders’ environmentally responsible behavior such as tourists 1 , 6 , 9 , 12 . However, studies addressing the impact of DSR on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors are still very limited 1 ; residents are the tourist destination's core stakeholders. Therefore, their attitudes, behaviors and their pro-environmental behaviors are play essential roles in the tourism development of the destination 24 . Besides, there are very few previous studies examining the role of mediating variables in the relationship between DSR and residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In this study, the authors review and analyze the impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat based on relevant intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. The concepts for these intermediate variables and the basis for forming the model with the intermediate variables are explained next.

Hypotheses development

The relationship between DSR and stakeholders’ pro-environmental behaviors has been conducted in several studies worldwide. The results of studies show that DSR is an essential factor that positively influences stakeholders’ environmentally responsible behavior such as tourists 1 , 6 , 9 , 12 . However, studies addressing the impact of DSR on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors are still very limited 1 ; residents are the tourist destination's core stakeholders. Therefore, their attitudes, behaviors and their pro-environmental behaviors are play essential roles in the tourism development of the destination 24 . Besides, there are very few previous studies examining the role of mediating variables in the relationship between DSR and residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In this study, the authors review and analyze the impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat based on relevant intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. The concepts for these intermediate variables and the basis for forming the model with the intermediate variables are explained next.

Hypotheses development

The relationship between DSR and stakeholders’ pro-environmental behaviors has been conducted in several studies worldwide. The results of studies show that DSR is an essential factor that positively influences stakeholders’ environmentally responsible behavior such as tourists 1 , 6 , 9 , 12 . However, studies addressing the impact of DSR on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors are still very limited 1 ; residents are the tourist destination's core stakeholders. Therefore, their attitudes, behaviors and their pro-environmental behaviors are play essential roles in the tourism development of the destination 24 . Besides, there are very few previous studies examining the role of mediating variables in the relationship between DSR and residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In this study, the authors review and analyze the impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat based on relevant intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. The concepts for these intermediate variables and the basis for forming the model with the intermediate variables are explained next.

Hypotheses development

The relationship between DSR and stakeholders’ pro-environmental behaviors has been conducted in several studies worldwide. The results of studies show that DSR is an essential factor that positively influences stakeholders’ environmentally responsible behavior such as tourists 1 , 6 , 9 , 12 . However, studies addressing the impact of DSR on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors are still very limited 1 ; residents are the tourist destination's core stakeholders. Therefore, their attitudes, behaviors and their pro-environmental behaviors are play essential roles in the tourism development of the destination 24 . Besides, there are very few previous studies examining the role of mediating variables in the relationship between DSR and residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In this study, the authors review and analyze the impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat based on relevant intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. The concepts for these intermediate variables and the basis for forming the model with the intermediate variables are explained next.

Hypotheses development

The relationship between DSR and stakeholders’ pro-environmental behaviors has been conducted in several studies worldwide. The results of studies show that DSR is an essential factor that positively influences stakeholders’ environmentally responsible behavior such as tourists 1 , 6 , 9 , 12 . However, studies addressing the impact of DSR on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors are still very limited 1 ; residents are the tourist destination's core stakeholders. Therefore, their attitudes, behaviors and their pro-environmental behaviors are play essential roles in the tourism development of the destination 24 . Besides, there are very few previous studies examining the role of mediating variables in the relationship between DSR and residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In this study, the authors review and analyze the impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat based on relevant intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. The concepts for these intermediate variables and the basis for forming the model with the intermediate variables are explained next.

Hypotheses development

The relationship between DSR and stakeholders’ pro-environmental behaviors has been conducted in several studies worldwide. The results of studies show that DSR is an essential factor that positively influences stakeholders’ environmentally responsible behavior such as tourists 1 , 6 , 9 , 12 . However, studies addressing the impact of DSR on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors are still very limited 1 ; residents are the tourist destination's core stakeholders. Therefore, their attitudes, behaviors and their pro-environmental behaviors are play essential roles in the tourism development of the destination 24 . Besides, there are very few previous studies examining the role of mediating variables in the relationship between DSR and residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In this study, the authors review and analyze the impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat based on relevant intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. The concepts for these intermediate variables and the basis for forming the model with the intermediate variables are explained next.

Hypotheses development

The relationship between DSR and stakeholders’ pro-environmental behaviors has been conducted in several studies worldwide. The results of studies show that DSR is an essential factor that positively influences stakeholders’ environmentally responsible behavior such as tourists 1 , 6 , 9 , 12 . However, studies addressing the impact of DSR on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors are still very limited 1 ; residents are the tourist destination's core stakeholders. Therefore, their attitudes, behaviors and their pro-environmental behaviors are play essential roles in the tourism development of the destination 24 . Besides, there are very few previous studies examining the role of mediating variables in the relationship between DSR and residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In this study, the authors review and analyze the impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat based on relevant intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. The concepts for these intermediate variables and the basis for forming the model with the intermediate variables are explained next.

Hypotheses development

The relationship between DSR and stakeholders’ pro-environmental behaviors has been conducted in several studies worldwide. The results of studies show that DSR is an essential factor that positively influences stakeholders’ environmentally responsible behavior such as tourists 1 , 6 , 9 , 12 . However, studies addressing the impact of DSR on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors are still very limited 1 ; residents are the tourist destination's core stakeholders. Therefore, their attitudes, behaviors and their pro-environmental behaviors are play essential roles in the tourism development of the destination 24 . Besides, there are very few previous studies examining the role of mediating variables in the relationship between DSR and residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In this study, the authors review and analyze the impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat based on relevant intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. The concepts for these intermediate variables and the basis for forming the model with the intermediate variables are explained next.

Hypotheses development

The relationship between DSR and stakeholders’ pro-environmental behaviors has been conducted in several studies worldwide. The results of studies show that DSR is an essential factor that positively influences stakeholders’ environmentally responsible behavior such as tourists 1 , 6 , 9 , 12 . However, studies addressing the impact of DSR on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors are still very limited 1 ; residents are the tourist destination's core stakeholders. Therefore, their attitudes, behaviors and their pro-environmental behaviors are play essential roles in the tourism development of the destination 24 . Besides, there are very few previous studies examining the role of mediating variables in the relationship between DSR and residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In this study, the authors review and analyze the impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat based on relevant intermediary factors such as positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment. The concepts for these intermediate variables and the basis for forming the model with the intermediate variables are explained next.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research design and measurement

This study conducted a survey that included closed-ended questions as a quantitative research method. The measurement items in the questionnaire include elements of the research model such as destination social responsibility (six items) 2 , 10 , positive emotions (three items) 12 , destination preference (four items) 2 , destination attachment (five items) 2 , 10 and residents' pro-environmental behaviors (six items) 2 , 12 . All items were rated on a five-point Likert scale (1= strongly disagree and 5= strongly agree).

To ensure content validity, four tourism lecturers and twenty management professionals working in the tourism field reviewed the measurement items to determine their appropriateness for assessing residents’ behaviors.

Qualitative methodology

In this stage, qualitative methods are used to identify and modify observed variables to suit the research area. The authors organized a group discussion with 20 managers of tourist destination organizations, as well as experts and lecturers working in the tourism industry in Dalat city. Moreover, 35 local residents were conducted a pilot survey to adjust the scale accordingly and complete the questionnaire.

Sampling and data collection

For EFA analysis, the sample size is based on an observation variable ratio of 5:1, which means that a measured variable needs at least 5 observations and preferably 10 or more observations. This study has 24 measured variables, so the appropriate sample size is 240 48 . For the linear structural model SEM, because it is based on large sample distribution theory, a large sample size is required; therefore, the minimum required sample size is 200, 300 is good and 500 is very good 49 . To response the above requirements, the research team issued a number of 550 votes. We conducted the survey over a period of 14 weeks from October 2023 to mid-February 2024. The survey team came destinations to distribute questionnaires to residents. Most of the questionnaires were directly guided by the surveyors so that residents could answer and type in the corresponding options. The total number of votes collected after the survey was 382, however the survey team eliminated 31 invalid votes, leaving 351 valid responses. This sample size is guaranteed and consistent with the requirements of this study.

Scale Development

The authors inherited the scales from previous studies, through qualitative research to adjust and perfect the scales. Residents in Dalat city filled out the survey using the scales presented in Table 1 .

Table 1 Scale items

Data analysis and processing methods

The research uses descriptive statistical analysis methods, testing the reliability of the scale, exploratory factor analysis EFA (Exploratory Factor Analysis), confirmatory factor analysis CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis), using the method SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) linear structural model analysis method to test the research hypotheses proposed in the model. Finally, use the standardized regression coefficient to show the different levels of influence between each pair of hypotheses to clarify the analytical content of the study.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Described samples

Sample characteristics for 351 residents in Dalat show that the proportion of men is 54.1% compared to 45.9% of women. Tourism-related jobs account for 56.6%; jobs not related to travel account for 43.3%. Characteristics of the study sample are described in Table 2 .

Table 2 The table describes the study sample according to demographic characteristics

Reliability Statistics

The reliability of the destination social responsibility scale and residents' pro-environmental behaviors was assessed through the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and the results are shown in Table 3 . The results in Table 3 show that all Cronbach's Alpha coefficients are all greater than 0.7; The total variable correlation coefficients of the scales are all greater than 0.3 except PB5 (I accept some inconveniences to achieve the goal of environmental protection in Dalat) which was eliminated due to corrected item-total correlation is less than 0.3.

Table 3 Results of testing scale reliability

EFA exploratory factor analysis

The results of EFA analysis of the scale of independent variables using the PAF (Principal Axis Factoring) extraction method with Promax perpendicular rotation show that the KMO (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin) coefficient = 0.913 (>0.5) and the significance level Sig. = 0.0000 (<5%) proves that the observed variables are correlated with each other in the whole population, so EFA factor analysis is appropriate for the research data.

The impact of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors through 3 intermediary factors: Positive emotions (PE), Destination preference (DP) and Destination attachment (DA) as research suggests. EFA analysis aims to determine the appropriateness of the number of extracted factors. With the PCA (Principal Components Analysis) method, we obtain the following results:

– Eigenvalue coefficient > 1, Eigenvalue represents the amount of variation explained by the factor, factors with Eigenvalue less than 1 will not summarize information better than an original variable. Results from the study show that the 5 survey factors have Eigenvalues all greater than 1.

– Total Variance Explained: shows what percentage of the measured variables are extracted by the factors. In this study, the total variance extracted is 65.876%, greater than 50%, the general meaning is greater than the individual part and the error number, if this condition is met, the EFA model is appropriate.

Through analysis of the rotated matrix (Pattern Matrix), all observed variables are accepted because the loading factors are greater than 0.5. So the 23 observed variables are divided into DSR groups and 3 intermediate groups that affect the environmentally responsible behavior of local residents and continue to be included in the analysis.

Table 4 EFA analysis results

CFA confirmatory factor analysis

CFA analysis was performed to evaluate the overall measurement model. Unidimensionality, reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were assessed. The results show CMIN/DF = 1.037 < 3, CFI = 0.973 > 0.9, TLI = 0.982 > 0.9, GFI = 0.952 > 0.9, RMSEA = 0.008 < 0.06. The results demonstrate that the model fits the data and the scale ensures unidimensionality. The results show that the standardized weight > 0.5, statistically significant (p < 0.05), CR value > 0.7 shows that the model meets the convergence criteria. Table 5 shows composite reliability (CR) > 0.7; Variance extracted (AVE) has a value of 0.590–0.646 (>0.5). Therefore, the scale is reliable. For discriminant validity, the square root of the extracted variance (AVE) has a value of 0.761–0.809 larger than the standardized correlation coefficient between pairs of DSR --> PE, DSR--> DP, PE -- > DA, DP --> DA, DA --> PB has values from 0.335–0.664 and the maximum individual variance value is smaller than the extracted variance. Therefore, the factors in the destination social responsibility scale have discriminant value. The results of CFA analysis of the scales show that all observed variables have estimated coefficient values greater than 0.5. Therefore, the factors of destination social responsibility of Dalat are meaningful in the scale.

Table 5 Results of CFA analysis

According to the test results of common method bias (CMB), the % of Variance value of the first factor in the Extraction Sums of Squared Loadings column in Table 6 shows that the extracted variance of 38,539 is less than 50%. Thus there is no presence of CMB.

Results of SEM model analysis

The study uses linear structural modeling (SEM) to test the research hypotheses proposed in the model. The results are shown in Table 4 .

The fit index of the theoretical model (Model fit) from SEM analysis is as follows: Chi square index/df = 1.103 < 3, CFI = 0.968, TLI = 0.954, GFI = 0.963 (>0.9) and RMSEA = 0.013 < 0.08. This result shows that the theoretical model is compatible with market data. All relationships from H1 to H5 have positive regression coefficients (except H6); Therefore, hypotheses from H1 to H5 show the same direction because of the scale design. Therefore, the relationships in the model all meet the standards of theoretical relationship value.

The results of estimating the research model are shown in Figure 2 as follows:

Figure 2 . Model analysis results

Figure 2

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Table 6 Results Variance Magnification Factor VIF

According to the results of the VIF variance magnification factor in Table 6 , all VIF values ​​are less than 5. Thus, multicollinearity doesn’t occur in the model.

Table 7 Test hypotheses and estimates of the research model

The results of estimating the standardized regression coefficients on the relationships in the research model show that hypotheses H1, H2, H3, H4 and H5 are all statistically significant (p < 0.05); so these hypotheses are all accepted. As for hypothesis H6 (Destination social responsibility has a positive impact on residents' pro-environmental behaviors) is not accepted because it is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). From the standardized regression order, it shows that the absolute value of the destination preference scale is the largest, so this scale has the strongest impact on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors of Dalat city, followed by destination attachment affects pro-environmental behaviors and finally, the positive emotions scale affects residents' pro-environmental behavior less. Squared Multiple Correlations (R 2 ): R 2 value of Destination preference is 0.521 so DSR explains 52.1% of the variation in destination preference. R 2 value of destination attachment is 0.498; So DSR and destination attachment explain 49.8% of the variation in destination attachment. The value of Positive emotions is 0.404; So DSR and Positive emotions explain 40.4% of the variation in destination attachment. R 2 value of Pro-environmental behaviors is 0.542; Therefore, DSR, destination preference, positive emotions, and destination attachment explain 54.2% of the variation in residents’ pro-environmental behaviors of Dalat city. Analysis results show that the relationship between variables in the model is stable and the proposed model has good explanatory ability ( Table 7 ).

DISCUSSIONS AND MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS

Discussions

​Residents’pro-environmental behaviors of Dalat is positively influenced by three intermediate factors: Destination preference, Positive emotions and Destination attachment. Specifically, residents feel excited, happy and comfortable when participating in tourist activities at Dalat, they care about what others think about Dalat, and are interested in the development and success of Dalat. They also feel uncomfortable when someone criticizes or is dissatisfied with this destination.

These positive factors will positively impact pro-environmental behaviors through actions such as residents always following regulations on environmental protection and natural resources; they report to the Destination Management Board about environmental pollution and destruction in Dalat. They consciously put trash and tree branches in the trash. Furthermore, local residents try not to affect the flora and fauna when participating in tourism activities in Dalat.

Apart from the research of Lee et al (2021) 6 and Su & Swanson (2017) 12 , there are very few previous studies examining the impact of DSR of tourists to behave responsibly towards their environment. Su et al (2018) studied the contribution of DSR to residents' environmentally responsible behaviors 1 . The research results developed an integrated model to demonstrate that DSR has an influence on residents’ pro- environmental behaviors through general community satisfaction. Research results also show that DSR increases residents’ awareness of the positive impacts of tourism, improves overall satisfaction as well as contributes to residents’ pro-environmental behaviors 1 . Lee et al (2021) studied DSR on tourists' environmentally friendly behaviors through the VIP model (Values–Identity–Personal norms), the research results showed that DSR through price Biosphere values, environmental identity, and tourists' personal norms have a significant relationship with tourists' pro-environmental behaviors 6 . In addition, Su & Swanson (2017) investigated the influence of DSR on the environmentally responsible behaviors of first-time and repeat tourists, and the research results demonstrated negative emotions (including positive and negative emotions), destination attachmentis a mediating variable between DSR and pro-environmental behaviors. The findings show that DSR has a positive impact on tourists' pro-environmental behaviors through the mediating variables of positive consumption emotions and destination attachment 12 . Compared to previous studies, the study has examined the role of the intermediate variables Destination preference, Positive emotions and Destination attachment in the relationship between DSR and residents’ pro-environmental behavior. Furthermore, the study also explores whether there is a direct relationship between DSR and environmentally responsible behavior of local residents. Research results show that DSR has an indirect effect on residents' environmentally responsible behavior through three intermediate variables: Destination preference, Positive emotions and Destination attachment, but DSR does not have a direct impact on residents’ pro-environmental behavior.

Managerial implications

Research results show that three intermediate factors, positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment, positively impact residents’ pro-environmental behaviors. The analysis results also show that DSR affects positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment in the same direction. Furthermore, this study highlights the important role of DSR in promoting pro-environmental behaviors among local residents. Based on the research results, the authors propose several managerial implications for destination management organizations and tourism service providers in Dalat including:

Managerial implications

Research results show that three intermediate factors, positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment, positively impact residents’ pro-environmental behaviors. The analysis results also show that DSR affects positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment in the same direction. Furthermore, this study highlights the important role of DSR in promoting pro-environmental behaviors among local residents. Based on the research results, the authors propose several managerial implications for destination management organizations and tourism service providers in Dalat including:

Managerial implications

Research results show that three intermediate factors, positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment, positively impact residents’ pro-environmental behaviors. The analysis results also show that DSR affects positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment in the same direction. Furthermore, this study highlights the important role of DSR in promoting pro-environmental behaviors among local residents. Based on the research results, the authors propose several managerial implications for destination management organizations and tourism service providers in Dalat including:

Managerial implications

Research results show that three intermediate factors, positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment, positively impact residents’ pro-environmental behaviors. The analysis results also show that DSR affects positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment in the same direction. Furthermore, this study highlights the important role of DSR in promoting pro-environmental behaviors among local residents. Based on the research results, the authors propose several managerial implications for destination management organizations and tourism service providers in Dalat including:

Managerial implications

Research results show that three intermediate factors, positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment, positively impact residents’ pro-environmental behaviors. The analysis results also show that DSR affects positive emotions, destination preference and destination attachment in the same direction. Furthermore, this study highlights the important role of DSR in promoting pro-environmental behaviors among local residents. Based on the research results, the authors propose several managerial implications for destination management organizations and tourism service providers in Dalat including:

CONCLUSIONS

Research results show that residents’ pro-environmental behaviors of Dalat city residents is explained through three intermediary factors: positive emotions (PE), destination preference (DP) and destination attachment (DA). Among them, destination preference (DP) has the strongest impact on residents' environmentally responsible behaviors. Destination attachment (DA) has the second most influence on pro-environmental behaviors, and Positive Emotions (PE) has the least influence on local residents' pro-environmental behaviors. In addition to the indirect impact of DSR on pro-environmental behaviors through three intermediary factors, the authors want to further exploit the direct relationship of DSR on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat city. Analysis results show that DSR plays an important role and has an indirect influence on residents' pro-environmental behaviors through three intermediate factors: destination preference, destination attachment and positive emotions; however, DSR does not directly impact residents' pro-environmental behaviors. The analysis results also show that DSR has a positive impact on destination preference and positive emotions; Furthermore, destination preference and positive emotions both have a positive impact on destination attachment. Regarding the relationship with residents’ pro-environmental behaviors of Dalat city, research results demonstrate that both destination preference, positive emotions and destination attachment have a positive impact on residents’ pro-environmental bahaviors at tourist destinations.

Compared to previous studies, the authors' research has proven that Dalat residents have a good awareness of the destination social responsibility, they will have positive emotions, destination preference, and destination attachment thereby creating pro-environmental behaviors. The results of this study are similar to the results of studies by Su et al (2018) 1 , Lee et al (2021) 6 , and Su & Swanson (2017) 12 . The research results also discovered that the impact of DSR on residents' pro-environmental behaviors is significant through three intermediary factors and without the direct impact of DSR to residents’ pro-environmental behaviors of Dalat​ city.

Limitations and future research directions

Compared with previous studies, this study has examined the role of intermediate variables in the relationship between DSR and residents’ pro-environmental behaviors. Besides, the study also examines whether there is a direct impact of DSR on residents' pro-environmental behaviors. Although certain results have been achieved, there are still some limitations. First, the study tested the hypothesis with residents in the city center, excluding residents in districts and communes on the outskirts of Dalat city. Therefore, future studies can expand the scope of research areas. Second, DSR is a multidimensional construct 50 . To simplify the model, this study uses a common scale of DSR to measure, so future studies can explore other roles in the model. These limitations will help open up further research directions in the future.

In summary, DSR plays an important role in the growth and development of sustainable tourism. Both conceptual and practical implications were presented in this study. Through DSR, the research has explained the process that determines residents' pro-environmental behaviors. The research results have synthesized the conceptual framework of DSR and the environmentally responsible behavior of local residents. Additionally, the study has proposed a model illustrating the relationship between DSR and environmentally responsible behavior. The conceptual framework describes the role of DSR in influencing residents' environmentally responsible behavior through three mediating factors: Positive Emotions, Destination Preference, and Destination Attachment. The research findings provide valuable insights for researchers interested in this field and offer practical implications for tourism destination managers in Dalat City to better understand the factors influencing local residents' environmental behavior. Consequently, this study supports the development of strategies aimed at improving residents' environmentally responsible behavior at the destination. The research results identify the proposed model as a solid conceptual framework to describe the role of DSR in relation to residents’ environmentally responsible behaviors through three mediating factors: Positive emotions, Destination preference, Destination attachment. Researching the impact of DSR on local residents’ pro-environmental behaviors contributes to helping destination management organizations understand the impact of DSR. Thereby, they will be aware of the role and importance of DSR as well as grasp the intermediary factors that affect residents' pro-environmental behaviors. From there, there will be measures to increase residents’ awareness of DSR to promote pro-environmental behaviors in Dalat.

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AVE: Average Variance Extracted

CMB: Common Method Bias

CR: Construct Reliability

CFA: Confirmatory Factor Analysis

CFI: Comparative Fit Index

CMIN: Chi-square

DA: Destination attachment

DP: Destination Preference

DSR: Destination Social Responsibility

EFA: Exploratory Factor Analysis

H: Hypothesis

KMO: Kaiser Meyer Olkin

PAF: Principal Axis Factoring

PB: Pro-environmental Behaviors

PCA: Principal Components Analysi

PE: Positive Emotions

R 2 : Square Multiple Correlations

RMSEA: Root Mean Square Error of Approximation

SEM: Structural Equation Modeling

SOR: Stimulus Organism Response

TLI: Tucker Lewis Index

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest in publishing this article.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

Author Mai Thi Kieu Lan is mainly responsible for the content of the entire research article, building the research model, designing the survey, conducting the survey, entering and editing data, running the data, validate the scale, read and analyze data, complete the entire article and be the main author to submit the article.

Author Hoang Trong Hung builds hypotheses

Author Nguyen Thi Thanh Ngan writes the theoretical basis

Author Vo Minh Phuong conducts a theoretical overview

Author Nguyen Thi Huynh Phuong writes the research methodology.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research article was supported by Dalat University

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Article Details

Issue: Vol 8 No 4 (2024)
Page No.: 5555-5571
Published: Dec 31, 2024
Section: Research article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32508/stdjelm.v8i4.1378

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Copyright: The Authors. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0., which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

 How to Cite
Lan, M., Hoàng, H., Nguyễn, N., Võ, P., & Phượng, N. (2024). The effect of destination social responsibility on residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in Da Lat City. VNUHCM Journal of Economics, Law and Management, 8(4), 5555-5571. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.32508/stdjelm.v8i4.1378


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