Quantum mechanics

Linguistics

Philosophy

Microeconomics

Chromatography

Social psychology

Scarcity

Social exchange theory

Tourism

Reciprocal

Economics

Set (abstract data type)

Market economy

Computer science

Phenomenon

Turnover

Physics

Psychology

Altruism (biology)

Management

Political science

Exploratory research

Epistemology

Reciprocal altruism

Economic surplus

Sociology

Welfare

Chemistry

Programming language

Sample (material)

Positive economics

Social science

Annals of Tourism Research

Taking into consideration the scarcity of research on volunteering and altruistic behavior of host communities, this exploratory study examines altruism in tourism from the viewpoint of members of voluntary tourism associations. A literature review reveals two general types of altruism, i.e. reciprocal and true, as well as two theoretical constructs, namely Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Altruistic Surplus Phenomenon (ASP). By taking a sample of 21 members from two voluntary tourism associations located in the municipality of Veria, Northern Greece, this study confirms that reciprocal altruism is one of several motives for participating in voluntary tourism associations. Additionally, it is shown that ASP is more adequate than SET to interpret the study groups’ social behavior.

Altruism in tourism: Social Exchange Theory vs Altruistic Surplus Phenomenon in host volunteering