Developing and Validating a Scale to Measure Residents’ Perceptions and Support for World Heritage Site Conservation: Evidence from Fasil Ghebbi, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract

Notwithstanding, there are studies on residents’ perceptions, factors influencing their perceptions,
and support for the conservation of World Heritage Sites; discrepancies continue in the identified
factors and their measurement across earlier studies. Moreover, validated measurement scales
specifically addressing residents’ perceptions of the impacts of World Heritage Sites are lacking.
Underscoring this gap, this study intended to validate items measuring residents’ perceptions,
the factors affecting their perceptions, and support for World Heritage Site conservation in the
setting of Fasil Ghebbi World Heritage Sites. The study used an explanatory design with a mixed
method approach. Qualitative data were collected from 14 purposively selected participants, while
quantitative data were collected from 100 purposively selected participants. Qualitative data were
analysed thematically, while Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used
for exploratory factor analysis of quantitative data. The result revealed that out of 90 initial items,
67 were validated across diverse factors, including perceived socio-cultural (8), economic (5), and
environmental benefits (3); socio-cultural (5), economic (4), and environmental costs (4); place
attachment (5), cultural attitude (4), knowledge of World Heritage Site (4), community involvement (3),
personal benefits (5), community gain (3), trust in government (6); and support for World Heritage Site
conservation (8). The study provides valuable insights for viability assessment, preventing redundant
efforts, and allowing decision-makers to design custom-made strategies that foster perceived benefits,
diminish costs, and strengthen inclusive community involvement in World Heritage Site conservation.