Authenticity: Multiple-item Scale Development and Validation

Abstract

The goal of this study is to create a scale for measuring authenticity in a tourism management environment. Authenticity has been extensively studied in a wide range of academic fields. Authenticity has been a theme in tourism management research, and this strategy is becoming more and more popular. Only a few studies have been done on measuring objects in a tourist setting, even though there is a wealth of literature on authenticity in tourism management. The primary objective of this study is to fill the above gap in the modern jurisprudence of tourism. In response to the need for standardizing the measurement of the construct, a multi-item "authenticity" scale was created. The scale has 18 items that measure how consumers feel about the authenticity of the goods, services, and experiences they use. This paper describes the scale development process and validation procedures. The empirical data was gathered using two distinct samples: business management, humanities, and social science majors at universities and hotel industry professionals. The data in this study were analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis, and it was found that authenticity has five different facets: The results of the conformity factor analysis confirmed aesthetic, cultural, environmental, personal experiences, and service as authenticating factors. In addition, the properties and the potential applications of the scale are discussed.