This paper reports on the quintessential rural small firm, the tourist service provider and explores the impact of the recent foot and mouth outbreak. A theoretical framework is employed which proposes that many rural small firms capture and commodify the values that are inherent in the countryside. Part of this process is the portrayal of image and is an essential element of the new economy of signs and symbols. This image was critically challenged during the outbreak and thus affords us a unique opportunity to examine what happens, the impacts and effects, on small rural business when the image is tarnished. The findings show that small firms in rural areas suffered badly, even in areas where there was no disease. This leads one to argue that the effects of the disease were generated, less by fact, and more by the production of image. However, it was also found that rural small firms were extremely flexible in their responses to the crisis. In turn this seems to suggest that many small rural businesses may have a particular resilience which augurs well for sustainability.
If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -To examine the role of formal qualifications in the career development of contemporary hotel general managers in Scotland. Design/methodology/approach -A questionnaire was used which provided a sound basis for comparing the opinions, performance and career paths of both formally qualified and unqualified general managers. Findings -Key findings identified that formal qualifications were an integral part of career development. They facilitated career moves between companies and allowed prospective managers to "fast-track" to general management status. Formal qualifications were considered particularly beneficial in developing those functional managerial skills required to succeed. Practical implications -At this present time of change within the industry, the existing move towards a more business perspective in the role of hotel general manager may in fact be influencing the development of managers' mid-career. The actual importance today of food and beverage positions may be far less than it has been during the career development of those managers within the sample. If this proves to be the case, there may be a developing trend of managers entering from outside the industry, directly to general management positions. This poses implications for the seemingly "established" career path of hotel general manager through food and beverage functions and deputy/assistant managerial positions. Originality/value -The conclusions may also present implications for educationists trying to meet the needs of the industry in developing effective managers and for individuals in the development of their careers.
This study reports on the consequences of endemic cattle and sheep disease (2001) on two separate areas on the tourist industry; a) the Grampian Region of Scotland (indirectly affected) and b) Cumbria in England, (directly affected), and secondly on the effects of various crisis management strategies to alleviate the ensuing problems in both areas. Data were collected by a survey of a sample of 200 tourism orientated SME operators in Grampian and 170 businesses in Cumbria.The results show two forms of impact caused by the disease, direct and those less obvious or tangible. Direct impact was the dramatic loss of trade, most dramatically experienced by the lack of tourists visiting the areas. Indirect effects included loss of supply, change to the product offered and cuts in future investment. In the combination of these impacts, it was clear that the effects would have longevity far beyond the period of the actual crisis. Although the actual presence of the disease was geographically limited in Grampian, the consequences rippled out to affect areas that had no direct connection. In Cumbria, the effects were only slightly more severe but the response more direct and initially effective. Significantly the data also demonstrated a perception of minimal effort by the government to limit the consequences to the farming industry especially in Grampian. We conclude that the tourist industry in peripheral regions is fragile and highly vulnerable to any external shocks. However, we also note the ability of small rural firm to respond to such catastrophes and to avert the worst impacts of crisis.2
This paper explores the role of ICT in small tourist establishments. ICT has been extensively promoted. First, as a means of overcoming the disadvantage of distance and secondly as a mechanism for improving efficiency within the business and in improving communication outside the business. However, we know little about the extent and types of application of ICT in small rural businesses. Since the tourist industry is one of the few growth areas in peripherality, this seems an appropriate industry in which to explore the use and application of ICT. Preliminary investigations had indicated that many business owners restricted their use of ICT because they were unfamiliar with the systems and that they do not "trust" their efficacy. Moreover, from a conceptual viewpoint the competitive advantage of small rural hospitality providers depends on a personal, individualised service that is closely related to the attractiveness of rural places. If so, the standardisation that may be implied by ICT, may run counter to the ethos of a particularised and personally delivered service. Paradoxically, the very remoteness might work to create an advantage in employing ICT to reduce the impact of distance and consequently can be of great benefit to these small businesses.Consequently, our investigation explores these issues.Our study had two stages, an initial survey to determine the extent and pervasion of ICT and a second interview stage to explore the role and applications of ICT. We found that ICT was used extensively, often to overcome distance and in particular to communicate effectively.We were surprised to find that ICT was seen as a way of enhancing personal service and that rather than a barrier, it was seen to promote quality of service. Some business owners demonstrated that they had built up their skills to use ICT very effectively for the marketing and sales of their product, but many have been slow to respond to using ICT to maintain 2 supply side functions. We concluded that there were a core of "enthusiasts" using ICT effectively but if many rural hospitality business owners increased their use of, and had greater familiarity with ICT systems, their businesses would benefit more through supply and operational effectiveness.
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