Logics and interlocking directorships in a multi-stakeholder system

This paper analyzes the salient stakeholders of a destination by investigating the logics of actors affiliated to more than one stakeholder group. It is hypothesized that: (1) the logics of individuals who belong to two stakeholder groups are not simply located between the logics of the other individuals who belong to only one stakeholder group, and (2) an individual in an interlocking position has a different attitude but not a distinct logic in comparison with stakeholders belonging to only one group. The paper investigates these topics in tourism destination communities, i.e. multi-stakeholder systems where both resources and activities are divided among numerous actors. In many cases, the logics of individuals in interlocking groups cannot be simply described as a 'mixed' logic. A descriptive approach does not reveal any distinct logic, but some nuances suggest that interlocking stakeholders' attitudes differ from those of members of just one group. It is concluded that actors in overlapping positions have different attitudes because of their position (they understand and successfully interpret the identity of the different groups they represent), their salience (they feel obliged to have a clear opinion) and their structural function (they ensure constant adaptation to different issues and challenges by proposing solutions and innovations to their peers in their respective stakeholder groups). The research reveals the logics of key players, thus providing valuable contribution in terms of marketing, management and governance. The paper suggests a different perspective from the traditional stakeholder approach and new directions for the analysis of stakeholders' logics in community destinations.