Are Your Ducks in a Row? External and Internal Stakeholder Perceptions of the Benefits of Parks in New South Wales, Australia

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Accepted Manuscript (AM)
Author(s)
Torland, Monica
Weiler, Betty
Moyle, Brent D
Wolf, Isabelle D
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2015
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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 ...
View more >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.
View less >
View more >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.
View less >
Journal Title
Managing Sport and Leisure
Copyright Statement
© 2015 Taylor & Francis (Routledge). This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Managing Sport and Leisure on 22 Apr 2015, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23750472.2015.1028428
Subject
Tourism management