DMOs bridging structural holes in destination networks : A perspective based on actor's networks
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2012-08-26
Author(s)
Abstract
One of the main functions of Destination Management Organizations (DMO) in community-type of tourist destinations is to coordinate the supply network and therefore to serve as bridg-ing organization in a fragmented and complex system of organizations, institutions and stake-holder groups. Traditional research on the roles of DMOs, including the coordinating func-tion, builds on descriptive case studies and on the discussion of the cases at organizational/ destination level. We propose to change the perspective by analyzing the actor's level with the help of structural hole analysis of local elite networks. Thus, instead of describing the organi-zational role of coordination, we effectively measure the bridging value of the actors affiliated to the DMO in the network of the destination. The results of six selected destinations show that among the top four/ five bridging individuals in networks of between 13 to 42 actors, there are always not only the DMO directors but also at least one board member of the DMO. The paper concludes with further research in DMO board composition and evolution.
Language
English
Keywords
destination management organization (DMO)
social network analysis
structural holes
elite
community
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
No
Event Title
62nd International Asociation of Scientific Experts in Tourism (AIEST) Congress
Event Location
Khon Kaen, Thailand
Event Date
26.-30.08.2012
Subject(s)
Eprints ID
243858
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
open.access
Name
AIESTConf2012_Paper_Wittmer_Beritelli_Laesser.pdf
Size
232.47 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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