Examining stakeholder group specificity: An innovative sustainable tourism approach. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hardy, Anne; Pearson, Leonie J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of destination marketing & management. Volume 8(2018)
• Page Start: 247
• Page End: 258
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Stakeholder attitudes -- Q- methodology -- Sustainable tourism -- Tasmania; Place marketing -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Management -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 658.8005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jdmm.2017.05.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-571X

Abstract

Abstract: It is now widely accepted that stakeholder consultation is necessary for sustainable tourism development to occur and that a variety of stakeholder groups occur. In tourism, these groups are often referred to as locals, operators, community members and those in regulatory positions. However, a divide exists within the literature. One cluster of literature suggests that individual stakeholders possess attitudes that are specific to their group. Another cluster of research suggests that individual stakeholders' attitudes do not always align with their stakeholder groups. This paper responds to this dichotomy and utilises the Q methodology to assess the attitudes of stakeholders in the Tarkine region of Tasmania, Australia. The research highlights that individual stakeholders' attitudes do not always align to their stakeholder group when considering sustainable tourism development and that responsive methods are required to ensure adequate stakeholder involvement. In doing so, it challenges the long-held notion of stakeholder group specificity. Highlights: Critiques the alignment of individual stakeholders' attitudes with their traditionally defined stakeholder groups with respect to sustainable tourism development Conducts a pictorial Q method to assess stakeholders' attitudes in a participatory, reflexive and responsive manner Research was conducted in the highly politicised Tarkine region of Tasmania, Australia Demonstrates that the traditional stakeholder groups of operators, locals, regulator and members of community groups are not homogenous in their attitudes Findings reinforce the need to assess stakeholder group attitudes concurrently in order to determine preferences for sustainable tourism The pictorial approach acted as a catalyst to connect more deeply with participants, especially those traditionally under-represented by research