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Article
Publication date: 19 May 2022

Islam Elgammal

This study aims to explore community involvement in sustainable tourism development (STD) at Siwa Oasis, Egypt, and examines the perspectives of local communities, visitors and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore community involvement in sustainable tourism development (STD) at Siwa Oasis, Egypt, and examines the perspectives of local communities, visitors and governmental decision makers concerning the area’s STD plans. It provides a brief discussion on the stakeholders’ conflict of interest alongside exploring the costs and benefits of STDs for the community. This study examines the area’s problems and challenges and expands the discussion on STD by providing a deep understanding of the oasis context, which involves a broad range of issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this exploratory study, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with three groups of stakeholders (local community, governmental decision makers and visitors) to investigate the current practices of STD and the future vision for the area. Data were coded and interpreted using thematic analysis.

Findings

This paper provides empirical insights into how STDs can be practised in an oasis context. It suggests there is a conflict between the governmental vision for the area and the community’s needs that could lead to a failure to implement STDs. Themes related to environmental, social and economic STD dimensions are discussed. The findings provide managerial and practical implications for decision makers on the promotion of STDs in remote communities.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the results may lack generalizability. Therefore, future studies are encouraged to test the study’s propositions further by using a mixed-methods approach, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

This paper has implications for STD within an oasis context, particularly concerning balancing the economic, environmental, political and social aspects of STD.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study how STD can be practised when most of the local community is already comparatively well-off economically.

Details

Journal of Place Management and Development, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 December 2022

Md. Shahzalal and Islam Elgammal

In spite of the increased interest of academics, there has not been a thorough examination of the actors and factors of accessible tourism (AT) development. The purpose of this…

Abstract

Purpose

In spite of the increased interest of academics, there has not been a thorough examination of the actors and factors of accessible tourism (AT) development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between stakeholders’ attitudes, collaborative intervention and corporate sustainability and responsibility (CS&R) and the implementation of accessible tourism (IAT).

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group discussion, an expert content validity test and structural equation modelling were all used as part of a mixed-methods approach. At the longest sea beach in the world, located in Bangladesh, data was collected from the tourism stakeholders using an on-site questionnaire survey.

Findings

Stakeholders’ attitude is significantly related to their collaborative intervention, but accessibility inclusive corporate substantiality and responsibility (AICSR) mediates the relationships between attitude and implementation, as well as collaborative intervention and implementation. As a result, AICSR is identified as a key driver in the IAT.

Research limitations/implications

Purposive sampling was used to select stakeholders from Bangladesh’s most popular tourist destination. Nonetheless, the statistically valid model of this exploratory study can be tested for generalization in other contexts with a large sample size. The findings will bring diverse stakeholders to light and encourage barrier-free tourist growth that could improve the destinations’ comparative advantage and competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, one of the first studies to use rigorous quantitative methods to investigate AT implementation with a focus on CS&R. It adds to the existing AT literature by providing a scale and model of IAT while highlighting the extent to which AT can be implemented within CS&R.

目的

尽管学术界对无障碍旅游发展的参与者和因素越来越感兴趣, 但还没有相关研究对此领域进行彻底的调查。本研究的目的是调查利益相关者的态度、协作干预、企业可持续性和责任 (CS&R) 与实行无障碍旅游 (IAT)之间的关系。

研究设计/方法/途径

本文采用的混合研究方法包括了焦点小组讨论、专家内容有效性测试和结构方程模型 (SEM)。在位于孟加拉国的世界上最长的海滩上, 我们通过现场问卷调查从旅游利益相关者那里收集了数据。

结果

利益相关者的态度与其协作干预显著相关, 但企业可持续性和责任的无障碍包容性(AICSR)在态度与实施以及协作干预与实施之间的关系中起中介作用。因此, AICSR 被确定为实施无障碍旅游的关键驱动力。

研究局限/应用

立意抽样法用于从孟加拉国最受欢迎的旅游目的地选择利益相关者。尽管如此, 该探索性研究的统计有效模型可以在具有大样本量的其他情况下进行泛化测试。调查结果将揭示不同的利益相关者, 并鼓励无障碍的旅游增长, 从而提高目的地的比较优势和竞争力。

原创性/价值

本文是最早以CS&R为重点, 使用严格的定量方法调查实行无障碍旅游的研究之一。它通过提供 IAT 的规模和模型来补充现有的无障碍旅游文献, 同时强调无障碍旅游可以在 CS&R 中实施的程度。

Propósito

A pesar del creciente interés de los académicos, no se han examinado a fondo los actores y factores del desarrollo del turismo accesible. El propósito de este estudio es investigar las relaciones entre las actitudes de los actores, la intervención colaborativa y la sostenibilidad y responsabilidad corporativa (RSC) y la implementación del turismo accesible (ITA).

Diseño/Metodología/enfoque

El estudio utiliza un enfoque de métodos mixtos que incluye una discusión de grupo focal, una prueba de validez de contenido de expertos y un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (MEE). En la playa marítima más larga del mundo, situada en Bangladesh, se recogieron datos de los agentes turísticos mediante una encuesta con cuestionario in situ.

Hallazgos

La actitud de las partes interesadas está significativamente relacionada con su intervención colaborativa, pero la sustancialidad y la responsabilidad corporativa inclusiva de la accesibilidad (SRCIA) media las relaciones entre la actitud y la implementación, así como la intervención colaborativa y la implementación. Como resultado, la SRCIA se identifica como un factor clave en la implementación del turismo accesible.

Limitación de la investigación

Se utilizó un muestreo discrecional para seleccionar a las partes interesadas del destino turístico más popular de Bangladesh. No obstante, el modelo estadísticamente válido de este estudio exploratorio puede probarse para su generalización en otros contextos con una muestra grande. Las conclusiones mostrarán diversos grupos de interés y fomentarán el crecimiento del turismo sin barreras que podría mejorar la ventaja comparativa y la competitividad de los destinos.

Originalidad/valor

Se trata de uno de los primeros estudios que utilizan métodos cuantitativos rigurosos para investigar la implantación del turismo accesible centrándose en la RSC. Contribuye a la bibliografía existente sobre turismo accesible al proporcionar una escala y un modelo de ITA, al tiempo que pone de relieve hasta qué punto se puede implementar el turismo accesible dentro de la RSC.

Article
Publication date: 25 April 2022

Ghada Talat Alhothali, Felix Mavondo and Islam Elgammal

In recent days, there has been an increasing interest towards achieving sustainable tourism objectives globally and specifically in Saudi Arabia. The benefits can be maximized if…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent days, there has been an increasing interest towards achieving sustainable tourism objectives globally and specifically in Saudi Arabia. The benefits can be maximized if the government is successful in attracting current pilgrims and influence their future intention to revisit the country as tourists. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to measure pilgrims’ revisit intentions to understand more about the possibility of their potential contribution towards the Saudi tourism and hospitality industry in the evolving circumstances.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses configuration theory to identify the “ideal” type of the pilgrims and compares this to the rest to establish if they differ and if that difference matters. Data were collected from 278 visitors to the Holy Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah.

Findings

The findings show that a large deviation from the “ideal pilgrim” is negatively related to revisiting intentions and dissemination of positive word of mouth (PWOM).

Research limitations/implications

The development of profiles gives a better understanding of organizations or people across several dimensions looked at holistically. Fundamental to the theory is that there are only a limited number of configurations that achieve optimal performance (however defined).

Originality/value

The analytical approach adopted in this paper leads to achieving verbal and statistical correspondence in tests of “gestalts”. The interest is in establishing whether this difference matters to intentions to revisit and providing PWOM.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2024

Muhammad Haroon Shoukat, Islam Elgammal, Mukaram Ali Khan and Kareem M. Selem

Using the theoretical framework of social comparison theory (SCT), this study investigates the effects of employee envy on service sabotage behaviors in the hospitality industry…

Abstract

Purpose

Using the theoretical framework of social comparison theory (SCT), this study investigates the effects of employee envy on service sabotage behaviors in the hospitality industry. It further examines the complex dynamics of self-performance and job dissatisfaction in this context. Notably, this paper seeks to determine the potential moderating role of perceived employability in the interactions between service sabotage, employee envy, job dissatisfaction and self-performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Our research structure was divided into four distinct models. The findings of Model 1 highlight the significant impact of employee envy on service sabotage. The analysis in Model 2a shows that job dissatisfaction acts as a partial mediator in the employee envy and service sabotage linkage. On the other hand, Model 2b reveals self-performance as yet another partial mediator between envy-service sabotage relationships. In turn, Model 3 demonstrates that job dissatisfaction and self-performance play a serial mediation role in the envy-service sabotage relationship. In addition, our research shows that perceived employability effectively moderates the three proposed paths within these relationships.

Findings

Our research structure was divided into four distinct models. The findings of Model 1 highlight the significant impact of employee envy on service sabotage. The analysis in Model 2a shows that job dissatisfaction acts as a partial mediator in the employee envy and service sabotage linkage. On the other hand, Model 2b reveals self-performance as yet another partial mediator between envy-service sabotage relationships. In turn, Model 3 demonstrates that job dissatisfaction and self-performance play a serial mediation role in the envy-service sabotage relationship. In addition, our research shows that perceived employability effectively moderates the three proposed paths within these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Hotel managers must keep a close eye on their front-of-house staff to avoid any unintentional or direct interactions with customers. Equally important is the consistent and impartial treatment of all employees, which is an important consideration for managers to consider because it can help mitigate employee envy and job dissatisfaction.

Originality/value

This study seeks to enhance understanding of SCT by emphasizing perceived employability as a boundary influencing the relationships between these factors and desired outcomes in the hotel industry, such as job dissatisfaction, self-performance and service sabotage. This paper is an initial attempt to investigate the underlying mechanisms in the relationship between envy and service sabotage.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2023

Islam Elgammal, Chai Ching Tan, Leonardo Aureliano-Silva and Kareem M. Selem

This paper aims to highlight the effect of mobile commerce (m-commerce) ubiquity on usage behavior as well as the mediator mechanism of brand trust between ubiquity and usage…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the effect of mobile commerce (m-commerce) ubiquity on usage behavior as well as the mediator mechanism of brand trust between ubiquity and usage behavior. To extend the findings, this research also examines the moderator role of product reputation on the nexus between brand trust and usage behavior in the m-commerce context.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the quantitative approach, the authors gathered 1,565 valid responses from m-commerce app users. Data were analyzed in SmartPLS 4.

Findings

Ubiquity positively impacted brand trust, and the latter positively influenced m-commerce usage behavior. Brand trust also partially mediated the effect of m-commerce ubiquity on usage behavior, along with product reputation moderating the positive effect of brand trust on usage behavior.

Originality/value

By combining resource-based theory with signaling theory in the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework, this paper's novelty focuses on the investigation of m-commerce ubiquity, brand trust as a mediating mechanism and product reputation as a moderator in explaining usage behavior in the m-commerce context.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 March 2022

Muhammad Haroon Shoukat, Islam Elgammal, Syed Asim Shah and Hira Shaukat

The primary objectives of this paper are to examine the mediating effect of team learning (TL) in the relationship between shared leadership (SL) and team performance (TP), to…

Abstract

Purpose

The primary objectives of this paper are to examine the mediating effect of team learning (TL) in the relationship between shared leadership (SL) and team performance (TP), to investigate the important contingencies-moderating role of workplace bullying in the relationship between SL and TL and to investigate the moderating role of job insecurity in the relationship between TL and TP in health-care organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the social learning theory, this study used the aggregation approach to collect data, by using a structured questionnaire and the purposive sampling technique, from 223 respondents (60 leaders and 174 team members) of 60 sales teams from the top 10 pharmaceutical companies. A structural equation modeling on SmartPLS 3.2.9. was then used for analyzing the data collected.

Findings

The results indicate that SL significantly affects TP and that TL partially mediates this relationship. Workplace bullying has a significant impact as it reduces the effect of SL on TL and has a significant impact on TL. On the other hand, job insecurity has positively influenced TL and TP.

Originality/value

One of the first studies in the Pakistan health-care producer context used social learning theory to develop a contingency model based on important contingencies (workplace bullying and job insecurity). The study contributes to the existing literature on team leadership, highlighting how leadership can be translated into team performance.

Details

Team Performance Management: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-7592

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2022

Islam Elgammal, Ghada Talat Alhothali and Annarita Sorrentino

Umrah is a religious ritual that takes place inside the Holy Mosque in Makkah. Umrah can be performed any time during the year; however, performing Umrah in the month of Ramadan…

Abstract

Purpose

Umrah is a religious ritual that takes place inside the Holy Mosque in Makkah. Umrah can be performed any time during the year; however, performing Umrah in the month of Ramadan is much rewarded. Although the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hosting this event each year, studies that focus on exploring the Holy Mosque visitor segments are scarce. This study aims to explore and describe the marketing segments of Umrah performers relative to their Umrah experience inside the Holy Mosque of Makkah. Most specifically, this study aims to explore segments of Umrah performers based on their perception of servicescape, hedonic and convenience value and the visitors’ outcome behaviors [i.e. intention to revisit and positive word of mouth (PWOM)].

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed-method techniques of data collection [i.e. self-administered questionnaires (n = 278) and short discussions (n = 10)] were used.

Findings

Cluster analysis is used for data analysis. The findings revealed four clusters of Umrah performers: real, occasional, rational and passionate performers.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a first attempt to target pilgrims based on their experience with the servicescape during the organized religious event; despite its exploratory nature, it reveals interesting insights that will be useful for managers and scholars. Although the study helps to enrich the existing knowledge on visitors’ experience and proposes some implications for practitioners, it does have some limitations. First, convenience sampling was used, and hence the findings cannot be generalized. Second, the limited period of observation did not allow the authors to provide a complete picture of the pilgrims’ behavior; for this reason, the study findings partially describe the phenomenon. Another limitation is related to the difficulty of approaching respondents from Asia or South East Asia although they constitute a significant percentage of the total Umrah performers every year; this is because of the language barrier as data was collected from only English and Arabic speakers. Hence, to overcome these limitations, it is suggested that future studies could be expanded to target Asian respondents and perhaps other nationalities; and could be undertaken in other religious contexts. Moreover, an interesting future study could be carried out to compare the same model during other religious events. Added to that, another growing area of research could be approached by researchers, such as the impact of pilgrims sharing their experiences on influencing E-PWOM.

Practical implications

The findings reveal several implications for policymakers and stakeholders. The segmentation of Umrah performers assists destination managers, policymakers and local firms involved in managing this mass event to identify effective marketing decision-makers, business strategies and policymakers to satisfy the needs of these visitors (Disegna et al., 2011). Particularly, the identification of the key characteristics of these visitors can help destination marketers to develop a marketing mix that suits the needs of each cluster (Smith et al., 2014). Despite that the performers’ main motivation is the religious purpose, marketing strategists can attract the attention of these visitors to visit other religious, cultural and heritage sites in the country.

Social implications

Encouraging the visit to other tourist spots in Saudi has several impacts on nourishing the economy and the community. Tourism in Saudi could encourage entrepreneurs to start new ventures to satisfy the need of visitors to the country. Small-medium enterprises could benefit from tourism as they could target market niches in which leader companies are not serving. For instance, hand-made souvenirs are one of these industries that could grow to satisfy the need of visitors.

Originality/value

The results contribute to the literature of event segmentation by identifying visitors’ profiles to rarely investigated destinations. The findings reveal several implications for policymakers and stakeholders.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2023

Muhammad Haroon Shoukat, Rupa Sinha, Islam Elgammal and Kareem M. Selem

Based on self-determination theory (SDT), this paper seeks to identify autonomous motivations driving nostalgia-related cultural tourism among visitors to satisfy their craving to…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on self-determination theory (SDT), this paper seeks to identify autonomous motivations driving nostalgia-related cultural tourism among visitors to satisfy their craving to revisit Luxor and re-root their identities. This paper looked at the nexus of destination image and past experience, as well as nostalgic visitors' revisit intention and actual behavior toward Luxor.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to quantitatively analyze 354 responses from Luxor's visitors, and 17 interview transcripts were narrated using MAXQDA software.

Findings

Autonomous motivations influenced revisit intentions significantly, and revisit intentions acted as a strong mediator between actual visit behavior and autonomous motivations.

Practical implications

Destination marketers need to create nostalgic emotional bonds with people and destinations by planning cultural events that leave visitors with unforgettable memories of these particular moments. They also need to focus more on promotional strategies, develop messages with words that have emotional meaning and highlight crucial characteristics that tourists can quickly identify when visiting a destination.

Originality/value

Cultural tourism has emerged as a dominant niche sector worldwide; nevertheless, nostalgia-related cultural tourism has received less attention. As a result, the primary purpose of this paper is to provide a methodological framework for nostalgia tourism promotion in Luxor, Egypt. Luxor was chosen and has been an excellent subject for this paper, which can further evoke a sense of nostalgia. Hence, this paper prioritizes cultural site preservation and promotion.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Safdar Hussain, Muhammad Haroon Shoukat, Islam Elgammal, Mukaram Ali Khan and Kareem M. Selem

Drawing on social identity theory (SIT), the current research highlights the sequential mediation effects of customer interaction, functional value and hedonic value in linking…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on social identity theory (SIT), the current research highlights the sequential mediation effects of customer interaction, functional value and hedonic value in linking customer-brand identification and self-representation with online brand advocacy (OBA).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 483 Egyptian and 595 non-Egyptian Aliexpress shopping platform customers, then analyzed using SmartPLS 4.

Findings

The multigroup analysis findings revealed that customer interaction and functional/hedonic values sequentially mediated the linkages of customer-brand identification and self-presentation with OBA for Egyptian and non-Egyptian user groups.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is that it tested and validated customer interaction with the Aliexpress service scale, allowing for reflection on the interactive nature of this platform between Egyptian and non-Egyptian customers. SIT also lends credence to the idea that self-presentation mediates the effect of customer-brand identification on Aliexpress’s OBA, potentially shedding new light on this understudied dimension using a theoretical framework.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 11 June 2021

Islam Elgammal and Hassan Refaat

Purpose: This chapter is exploring opportunities out of the coronavirus crisis and investigating how to turn the crisis into a stepping stone for enhancing heritage tourism in…

Abstract

Purpose: This chapter is exploring opportunities out of the coronavirus crisis and investigating how to turn the crisis into a stepping stone for enhancing heritage tourism in Egypt.

Design: A qualitative approach is adopted and thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders about cultural heritage activities before, during, and after COVID-19.

Findings: Main findings of the chapter are divided into management-related (cultural sites carrying capacity, interpretation of cultural heritage attractions, site accessibility, hygiene, and safety) and marketing-related (the limited number of exhibited destinations, using technology and promoting heritage tourism locally) challenges.

Research Limitations/Implications: This study is limited to the Egyptian context. Future research could investigate the challenges and opportunities for heritage tourism in more developed countries. Besides, the use of qualitative methods can be altered to surveys in future research to enrich the body of knowledge in this area.

Practical Implications: The study is suggesting practical steps to tourism authorities related to management and marketing aspects of heritage tourism.

Originality/Value: This study is based on original research that produces new knowledge by using the study approach in collecting data, reports and interprets the findings and discusses possible implications.

Details

Tourism Destination Management in a Post-Pandemic Context
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-511-0

Keywords

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