Residents' Support of Mega-Events: A Reexamination

Abstract

Residents' perception is a commonly employed measure of locals' support for mega-events. This present study suggests that more work is needed to explore residents' perceptions of mega-events, and it extends the model related to locals' support for mega-events, based on social exchange theory discussed in previous studies. This study proposes, and empirically validates, a theoretically structured approach to measure residents' support, as well as its antecedents and its consequences, for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games held in China. The results revealed that perceived preparedness is a significantly influential variable, but that perceived benefit is stronger in its effect. Our testing gives insight into a dynamic research approach to measure residents' support for megaevents.