Are your ducks in a row? External and internal stakeholder perceptions of the benefits of parks in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

This research examines the strategic alignment between external and internal stakeholders' perceptions of the benefits of parks. To achieve this objective, surveys were distributed to park agency staff, as well as a sample of residents in New South Wales, Australia. Findings revealed alignment between external and internal stakeholders, with executive managers' perceptions being generally more favourable than staff and community. The paper pays particular attention to the alignment of internal stakeholders' (staff) perceptions, which is important for establishing and defending the market position of parks. A high degree of strategic alignment was found between executive and staff for personal benefits. However, results revealed incongruence between perceptions of lower level and executive staff for community-wide benefits. Gender, age, frequency of interaction with visitors, and visitation to parks outside of work hours were found to influence staff perceptions of park benefits. This research provides valuable insights into how park management agencies can build strategic alignment among internal stakeholders, and in turn external stakeholders, critical for building support for parks and associated conservation.

The Experience of Novelty and the Novelty of Experience

“…This research contributes to the tourism field by exploring how theory from cognitive psychology can be utilized to provide a more nuanced understanding of the tourism experience and vice-versa (Tung and Ritchie, 2011a;Kim and Brown, 2012;Kim J. H et al, 2012;Pearce and Packer, 2013;Torland et al, 2015;Scott et al, 2017;Moyle et al, 2019;Huang et al, 2020). Specifically, this research adds value to the studies on mental processes associated with tourism experiences (Ma et al, 2013(Ma et al, , 2017Campos et al, 2016Campos et al, , 2018Skavronskaya et al, 2019a) and contributes to a better understanding of the role of novelty both an antecedent to, and consequence of, MTEs (Chandralal and Valenzuela, 2015;Mitas and Bastiaansen, 2018;Skavronskaya et al, 2019a).…”

Transformative travel as a sustainable market niche for protected areas: a new development, marketing and conservation model

“…This review, therefore, encompasses the full spectrum of what is commonly referred to as the "park benefits literature" (e.g. Moyle, Weiler, & Moore, 2014;Torland, Weiler, Moyle, & Wolf, 2015). Intentional transformative experiences in parks could include nature walks that attract those specifically seeking relaxation or improved physical health; however, these transformations may also be incidental in those who participated for other reasons such as socialising or sightseeing.…”

Recreational Ecology: A Review of Research and Gap Analysis

“…How such measures are perceived and accepted by the public, and how to make them more readily acceptable (e.g., through persuasive communication (e.g., [91]) was less of a focus in our target journals. Another strand of research that deserves attention is the capacity, capability, and willingness of national park and other green space management agencies on adopting and reinforcing tourism and recreation management measures, especially in light of conflicting political pressures and complex stakeholder influences [92][93][94].…”