A stakeholder analysis of a service learning project for tourism development in An Ecuadorian Rural Community

Abstract

This paper discusses stakeholders’ relationships in a service learning project in a rural destination in Ecuador (Mashpi, province of Pichincha). A conceptual framework was developed examining three areas: stakeholder management, tourism development and service learning projects and knowledge transfer.Sixteen (16) stakeholders took part in the case study using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. A thematic analysis was conducted informed by the literature review. The first research theme related to stakeholders’ objectives, roles and perceptions about the involvement of other stakeholders. The second theme includes all the strategic management issues concerning the tourism development project. This includes issues of transferring knowledge from students and teachers to the community, a feature of service learning projects of this type. Thirdly, the relationships amongst stakeholders are outlined in a Venn diagram. Finally, the hindrances encountered in the projects connected to the other themes are discussed in this paper.The paper concludes that even though the project is found to be beneficial to all stakeholders, including students and teachers, enhancing the academic experience, it is fraught with challenges and several hindrances. One of the challenges is to plan activities in a way that takes into consideration the needs of the community involved in the tourism project, which are not aligned with the university scheduling. Problems of coordination and communication arise from a lack of strong leadership in the management of these projects. This includes a clear understanding of the various roles and responsibilities together with an analysis of the power and legitimacy of each stakeholder.