Project Team: Ms. Barbara Heade-Brown, Dr. Patrick Lynch ([email protected]), Dr. Mary T. Holden ([email protected])
This project was funded by the Irish Technology Research Strand 1 It had a lead time of 24 months, and was completed in September 2011.
The Project Aim
Limited research had been conducted on the dynamics of network development and the processes and motivations that underpin network development. The purpose of this research was to address this research gap and thereby enhance both academic and practitioner understanding of the relational processes that underlie the formation and maintenance of a rural tourism network. Consequently the research objectives for this study were to:
• To generate an understanding of the relational variables and norms that influence the development and maintenance of a collaborative rural tourism network.
• To develop a managerial model for involving rural tourism stakeholders in a collaborative rural tourism network.
Methods
In order to understand the processes involved in the formation of a network and the relationships that underpin that network, the research team needed to explore the fabric of the network in detail. This called for the use of an exploratory action research approach incorporating flexible, unstructured and qualitative research methods. In accordance with the action research approach, this research commenced with a fact finding and diagnostic phase. This was followed by three intervention cycles, each involving planning, action, evaluation and reflection components. The final research phase entailed a review and evaluation of the research process.
Engagement Activity
As this project was action research based, the research team were intensively involved in the network and in the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions. It also has to be stressed that the network participants, the policy makers and the research team approached this research project from a collaborative perspective and all contributed to the design and implementation of the research.
Impact
The findings from the research indicate that the creation of a collaborative network is a dynamic process which involves a multitude of actions and processes that are difficult to delineate. Network relationships are individual, unique and dynamic and highly context specific. Overriding all other factors, the findings show that networks are highly social and depend on interpersonal relationships; networks are about relationships, not transactions.
The major impact from this study was the development of a pragmatic managerial model for involving rural tourism stakeholders in a collaborative rural tourism network. The framework has been utilised in other destinations as a model of best practice. The model has been presented at both National and International conferences.
RIKON 2013.