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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Sonja Sibila Lebe and Igor Vrecko

This conceptual paper aims to integrate and significantly extend past research cognitions from three different scientific fields: project management (PM), hospitality management…

673

Abstract

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to integrate and significantly extend past research cognitions from three different scientific fields: project management (PM), hospitality management (HM) and systems thinking (ST). As scarcely any scientific sources are available on these topics, this paper closes a gap in literature and invites to further research in this field. Special stress is given to the research of possible preventing or at least reducing of negative impacts/footprints of hospitality development to the social and physical environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present an overview of milestones in project- and HM development in Europe from the end of the Roman Empire till today. The main development stages are checked in view of SR and ST applications.

Findings

This research is predominately theoretical, although it also presents several examples from practice that very clearly illustrate the need for merging the knowledge from these both (PM and HM) fields of expertise. The results of the evolution stages show that the development of both HM and PM has always been synchronic, and that PM has practically in all development stages been applied to HM, although this happened unconsciously and thus less effective than in other industries.

Originality/value

The value of this research is an improved understanding of the need for merging the cognitions from HM and PM for more responsibility in further HM projects.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 43 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Matjaž Mulej and Sonja Sibila Lebe

143

Abstract

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 43 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Sasa Zupan and Borut Milfelner

The purpose of this paper is to explore small hotels guests' perception of social responsibility (SR), to relate their SR perceptions with their motivation for choosing small…

2521

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore small hotels guests' perception of social responsibility (SR), to relate their SR perceptions with their motivation for choosing small hotels instead of large ones, and to check whether motivation is further related to guests' satisfaction. System thinking is used for better attainment of SR through linking the environmental and social dimension of hotel guests' SR perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts with a theoretical background for the conceptual model. The empirical quantitative research was conducted in 2013. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The hypotheses were analysed with structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings show that guests of small hotels perceive SR predominantly through its environmental and socio-local perspective. The guests with stronger perception of SR are more motivated to choose small hotels for their vacations, and at the same time, demonstrate a higher level of satisfaction with their choice.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to guests of small hotels only and to two dimensions of SR: environmental and socio-local.

Originality/value

Results of the study should encourage the small hotel operators to implement system thinking when reviewing their existing SR actions and adding some new ones. Relevant SR actions in small hotels, based on managers' system thinking, should become an important part of strategic, managerial and operational decisions.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 43 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Magnus Ramage, Chris Bissell and David Chapman

84

Abstract

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 43 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Mirjana Pejic Bach, Jovana Zoroja and Marjana Merkac-Skok

Tourism has become one of the world's major industries measured in terms of turnover, the number of employees and foreign currency earnings, having at the same time a huge impact…

1086

Abstract

Purpose

Tourism has become one of the world's major industries measured in terms of turnover, the number of employees and foreign currency earnings, having at the same time a huge impact on the environment. However, the future development of tourism depends on today's decisions that often do not take into account the positive and the negative impact on the tourism destinations' environment with long-term consequences that are not easily undone. System archetypes are generic structures that are responsible for generic patterns of behavior over time, especially behavior that is counterintuitive. The article aims to explore the possible use of system archetypes in order to increase socially responsible (SR), i.e. systemic thinking and behavior of tourism business organizations, based on the requisite holism theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental design methodology has been used in order to test the assumption that individuals familiar with the system archetypes will be more likely to believe that tourism business organizations that operate in tourism destinations should be involved in attaining SR goals. Participants included managers, public authorities and community representatives and were divided into an experiment and a control group. The experiment group was exposed to a workshop on system archetypes, while the control group had no treatment. Structured quantitative interviews were used in order to test differences in attitudes and beliefs on SR of tourism business organizations among the experiment and the control group members.

Findings

Natural environment of tourism destinations as tourism's essential resource is often destroyed due to the lack of SR. The research results indicate that the exposure of individuals to system archetypes increased the understanding of importance of SR behavior of tourism business organizations. System archetypes increased individuals' comprehension of the fact that the non-linear causal relationship, time delay and hidden structures of the systems generate complex behavior resulting in damage to the natural environment of tourism destinations.

Research limitations/implications

The survey research on a restricted number of subjects was applied. In order to overcome limitations of such an approach, the rigor procedure for data collection and analysis was used.

Practical implications

Managers of tourism business organizations could use system archetypes to analyse the impact of their activities on tourism destinations environment and thus improve the social responsibility of their decisions. The authors propose the formation of system archetypes and their applications repository in an organized environment to enhance understanding of SR behavior of tourism business organizations.

Originality/value

The authors used experimental design in order to test whether exposure of stakeholders' to system archetypes changes their attitudes regarding SR, with the goal to increase the understanding of various conflicts that emerge from the fact that tourism depends on unspoiled environment and at the same time tourism is a potential polluter. Available literature offers no similar applications of the system archetype approach to systemic behavior via SR in tourism.

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Article
Publication date: 25 February 2014

Sonja Sibila Lebe

453

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2006

Sonja Sibila Lebe and Borut Milfelner

To work out an innovative organisation model for tourism destinations in rural areas.

5043

Abstract

Purpose

To work out an innovative organisation model for tourism destinations in rural areas.

Design/methodology/approach

By outlining the problematic of tourism development in rural areas and implementing the concept of network management and the systems theory, we developed an innovative approach to destination management for non‐urban areas.

Findings

Network management means a new lesson for destination management. Our model has been conceived to systematically deal with different subsystems and both systemic and non‐systemic entities in a rural destination.

Research limitations/implications

The focus is limited to destination management in rural areas only. Although several methods suit different types of destinations, some seem to be less adequate for rural areas. The model was intended to search an optimal organisational model only.

Originality/value

The model introduces an original approach to the destination management and allows its application in a wide range of real situations. It can help achieving a better organisation and thus an improved competitiveness of a rural destination.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 35 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Wided Batat and Sonja Prentovic

In the postmodern consumer society, factors such as sustainability, responsible behaviour and digital environment have direct consequences on rethinking sustainable tourism…

1330

Abstract

Purpose

In the postmodern consumer society, factors such as sustainability, responsible behaviour and digital environment have direct consequences on rethinking sustainable tourism promotion through 2.0 communication policy embedded within a specific cultural context. The aim of this research is to analyse and discuss the application of 2.0 systems thinking (ST) in three countries (France, UK and Serbia) to promote sustainable tourism thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

Online tourism ads available on YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion, related to the cultural contexts of the UK, France and Serbia, have been analysed through a qualitative approach based on the use of visual methods. Furthermore, sustainable tourism dimensions and discourses have been identified in each context by applying intra- and intertextual analysis.

Findings

The results show that the use of 2.0 ST to promote sustainable tourism should take into account environmental and socio-cultural issues in each cultural context. These findings show that both the UK and France promote sustainable tourism logic through applying a 2.0 ST. This is not the case with Serbia where online sustainable tourism videos are underrepresented and the online content is different from the one in the UK and France.

Research limitations/implications

This research might help tourism researchers and professionals to understand cultural differences when promoting sustainable tourism through a 2.0 communication and online videos. The results show that tourism system has to be considered as a complex and a dynamic framework where intense interlinking of social media with political, cultural, promotional, and organizational aspects of tourism systems in different countries is present.

Practical implications

The proposed framework in this study represents a tool that will enable tourism professionals to improve their sustainable tourism communication, especially the environmental and socio-cultural dimensions when considering a 2.0 communication approach.

Originality/value

The original aspect of this research is related to the analysis of interactive videos in tourism studies and to the introduction of a new framework based on 2.0 ST, used to promote sustainable tourism in a cross-cultural context.

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Marko Peric and Jelena Djurkin

Providing a new approach to the destination management oriented on the social responsibility and keeping the interests of local community at the forefront of tourism development…

1556

Abstract

Purpose

Providing a new approach to the destination management oriented on the social responsibility and keeping the interests of local community at the forefront of tourism development. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Key concepts from systems theory, stakeholder management and social enterprises theories are rethought from the perspective of tourist destination. Main characteristics of the model of community-based organisational structure are identified as well as demands for socially responsible practices and a case study method is used for holistic and in-depth analysis on a real community-based tourism enterprise (CBTE).

Findings

The paper proposed innovative socially responsible organisational business model aiming to serve the interests of local community. Interlinking the economic and social objectives in managing the tourist offer on destination level is the critical issue when cooperation of various stakeholders is concerned.

Originality/value

The paper provides new insight on organising the tourism offer in the destination by using CBTE model. Findings might give impetus for new lines of research oriented on socially sustainable organisational models for responsible destinations. Recommendations suggested by the paper can be used in designing new destination management organisations oriented on developing community-based tourism practices in socially responsible manner.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 43 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Marija Rok and Matjaž Mulej

The purpose of this paper is to establish a new model of managing human resources in the service industry. The authors aim to raise awareness of the failing effects of human…

4163

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a new model of managing human resources in the service industry. The authors aim to raise awareness of the failing effects of human resource management (HRM) so far and indicate possible solutions to long-lasting labour issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors aim to outgrow the current personnel management concepts by approaching the employment management problem requisitely holistically. By combining the concepts of systems thinking, requisite well-being and social responsibility, the authors aim to introduce a new model for managing human resources. An analysis of the relevant HRM models and a perusal of identified issues concerning labour enabled the development of the new HRM model.

Findings

Under-investment in human capital in service industries has resulted in high staff turnover and negative attitudes towards service occupations. Recognition of the need for an improved approach to human resources management brings about substantial changes in the strategic management both on the industry- and the organizational levels.

Research limitations/implications

Research is theoretical with indirect empirical impact. The proposed model will meet the requirements of systems thinking principles as well as socially responsible corporate behaviour.

Practical implications

Improved understanding that human talent and their well-being should be in the centre of business strategies.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is in the raised awareness of the need for more innovative and flexible labour market policies. The proposed model is in accordance with the formal corporate pledge to act socially responsible and can be applied in tourism and hospitality organizations.

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