NGO Implementation in the Hostel-sector
Student thesis: Master Thesis and HD Thesis
- Elisabeth Thulin Spanggaard
4. term, Tourism, Master (Master Programme)
This project offers a Non-Governmental-Organisation (NGO) perspective on the questions of Tourism Social Entrepreneurships (TSE). The selection process undertaken taken to choose a destination utilised the cultural dimensions constructed by Geert Hofstede as tool for limiting options. To provide validity to the application of the Hofstede dimensions in this social science setting, they will be compared to the ones developed by Trompenaar & Hampden-Turner. The dimensional analysis, alongside criteria for a steady tourist flow, and a societal positive attitude to Social Entrepreneurship (SE), and volunteering, resulted in the destination of Edinburgh to be the suggested destination.
The theoretical background the project draws on Social Entrepreneurship both generally and in a specifically within Tourism Research. Recent publications by amongst other; Pollock (2016), Santos (2012) and Sheldon et al. (2017) calls for a new and more responsible attitude to tourism as well as generating an understanding of SE. Using a mixed-methods approach, empirical data has been collected via a quantitative questionnaire survey, and qualitative informal interviews from autumn 2016 to spring 2017.
The analysis and discussion section reveals that on the basis of tourist flow, and the Hofstede cultural dimensions it is possible to create a set off point for a valid selection process. Research related to the destination uncovered a vast network of funds, organisations and associations offering support to SEs in Scotland. These possibilities hold significant value for a non-profit TSE. Additionally, with a concept of localised volunteering in a tourism setting, it is suggested that the tourism industry ought to re-think the concept of NGO voluntourism. This can create a more responsible implementation of people with altruistic motives in development project. Lastly, as the project is rooted in the experiences, and strategy of Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke/ActionAid Denmark (MS/AADK), the project is suggested managed by this organisational department. This recommendation is presented on the basis of funds available for start-ups, organisation strategy on creation of new Global Platforms, and social entrepreneurial experience. However, as Edinburgh is located in the United Kingdom, ActionAid UK is intended to eventually take over the project and supervise the division of any profit generated to their development projects.
Language | English |
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Publication date | Jun 2017 |
Number of pages | 61 |