Scale development practice in hospitality and tourism: shaping the field

Purpose Recognizing the importance of measurement scales in aiding destination managers with decision-making and obtaining precise data in tourism and hospitality research, this paper aims to summarize bibliometric information about scales in the field over time and suggest directions for future research. Design/methodology/approach Using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology for data collection, the authors analyzed 135 scale development and validation papers published from 1996 to 2023. The authors first examine the methodologies of existing scales across three fundamental stages of the scale development process (item generation, theoretical analysis and psychometric properties). Subsequently, the authors assess the rigorousness of scale development over the years. Lastly, the authors explore how scale topics and scopes have evolved. Based on the findings, future directions for scale development were proposed. Findings This study first identified current practices of the scale development process among existing tourism and hospitality scales. Second, the evolution of scale topics and scopes showed a notable shift in focus toward destination image and consumer experience. Third, a noticeable increase in the rigorousness of scale development over the years has been observed. Research limitations/implications This reflection paper provides directions for future knowledge creation in scale development within the tourism and hospitality industries. Originality/value Serving as a pioneering systematic review of scales in hospitality and tourism literature, this paper analyzes the methodological and theoretical rigor of existing scales from the perspective of the entire scale development process, examines the evolution of topics and development rigor, and suggests themes and directions for future research.