Azores tourism product perceptions : the Influence of the country of origin

This study focused on the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ARA), which has some features that are considered favorable to the development of tourism and to the interest in the tourism product. However, the region’s geographical dispersion, its high dependence on transportation and the seasonality of the industry constrain its development. The present research aimed to assess tourists’ perception of certain costs (living, accommodation, plane ticket, and transportation to/from the airport), and whether these differ between tourists of different nationalities. The findings show that tourists, both residents and non-residents, have the perception that the cost of living and of the plane ticket are high, while the cost of accommodation and of transportation to the airport is considered normal by most respondents. We concluded that the models differ when applied to residents and non-residents. For non-residents, living in certain countries induces them to express differences in the perception of the costs studied, when compared to individuals that live in other countries.N/

Quality management and employees’ attitudes : an example from certified enterprises

This study investigates the implications of practices of the quality management system (QMS) in employees’ attitudes in relation to job involvement, job satisfaction, career satisfaction and organizational commitment. This study was accomplished through the use of a survey by questionnaire. Twenty hypotheses related to QMS practices and the employees´ attitudes were formulated and tested. The results indicate that responsibility and teamwork have a significant and positive correlation with job involvement, job satisfaction, career satisfaction, as well as organizational commitment. Ongoing improvement and problem solving have significant implications in organizational commitment. In addition, training and education, as well as customer focus, did not demonstrate any favourable contribution to the employees’ attitudes. In practical terms, the study recommends that management be more committed to the development of quality practices as a means to sustain and enhance employees’ positive attitudes towards their job. Such practices are a competitive strategy to attract and retain competent employees.N/

Statistical Analysis of the Leadership Perceptions in a Public Administration Office

This Journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.The main purpose of this paper is to identify and characterize the leadership features in a public administration office of the Azores (Autonomous Region of the Azores), in orders to verify the existence or not of a positive leadership based on the employees’ perceptions. The main conclusions are attained using data gathered via a previously tested and validated questionnaire. Overall, we conclude that subordinates don’t consider that their leaders show behaviors that they can associate with a totally positive and effective leadership although they are pleased with the fact that they are not extremely controllers and that they seek to do what the majority of the subordinates wants.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The importance of small sporting events in regional tourism : the case of the Azores International Bridge Festival

This study examined the XIII Azores International Bridge Festival in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, which was held October 1-5, 2009. A questionnaire was administered to all players; 89 surveys were completed, resulting in a 78% response rate. The perception of the event’s features was also observed through the analysis of various categorically ordered variables included in the questionnaire. Factors significantly affecting the probabilities of dependent class variables (attributes) were examined using the ordinal regression model. The results indicated that this event generated several benefits for the city, favouring the local commerce for at least five days through expenditures from tourists. In addition, the event provided guests with the opportunity to visit other islands, taking advantage of their participation in the festival, further demonstrating the ability to retain some players. This event can be viewed as another seasonal peak mitigation tool for the city of Ponta Delgada, promoting an increase in demand for tourist structures.N/

Fuel price transmission mechanisms in Portugal

This study aims to analyze the behavior of fuel prices at the pump (unleaded gasoline and diesel) in Portugal, relative to positive and negative variations in Brent Crude Oil prices. Applying an autoregressive distributed lags model (ARDL) to weekly time series data for the period of January 2004 through May 2009, we detected some signs of asymmetry in the transmission price mechanism. However, these patterns are not statistically significant enough to reject hypotheses of symmetry in the price adjustment mechanisms of fuels in Portugal.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Structuring the service encounter : a test of alternatives

Purpose – This paper analyses the influence of three different forms of structuring the service encounter (standardization, spontaneity, minimal structure) on the perception of service quality and job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach – A simulation of service interaction was elaborated, where individuals received different instructions related to the structure they should consider (standardization, spontaneity, minimal structure). This study was complemented by a correlational one that accessed the type of structure used and satisfaction with the service interaction. Findings − The results suggest that higher levels of job satisfaction and service quality exist when minimal structures are used. Research limitation/implications – The first part of the study is a simulation. Practical implications – The findings help practitioners make more informed choices concerning the structures they adopt to manage service encounters. Originality/value – The study empirically explores the application of minimal structures to the service encounter.N/

The impact of leadership components on turnover intent : the case of nurses

This study aimed to identify nurses’ leadership behavior in management functions and determine if leadership has a direct impact on turnover intention or career abandonment. This descriptive and inferential study was conducted in two public hospitals. Head nurses and nurses in general and specialist health care were invited to participate, except those working in operating or clinical services. The final sample consisted of 266 individuals (22 head nurses and 244 staff nurses) that responded to a questionnaire, which was organized into three distinct sections: (1) sample characterization; (2) the Leadership Effectiveness and Adaptability Description (LEAD), which was used to determine the situational leadership components; and (3) four closed questions relating to different turnover intentions. Data was collected in May 2009. The most expressive leadership styles are the S2 (persuading) and S3 (sharing) in both groups. In terms of turnover, the results showed strong positive associations with profile S2-S3 and with effective adaptability. Leaders’ with S2- S3 profiles easily delegate tasks and enhance the functional and emotional development of their collaborators. Effective adaptabilities requires that chief nurses tailor their leadership style to the situation and environment they are working, allowing that their actions meet the expectations of their subordinates. These two dimensions contribute positively to nurses’ retention.N/

Tourists' satisfaction and loyalty in the hotel business: an application to the island of São Miguel, Azores

Given the recent competition in the hotel business and the constant search for satisfaction and loyalty of the guests, the objective of this study is to understand tourists’ perceptions of service quality offered at the hotels in São Miguel, and the factors contributing to their satisfaction and loyalty. Based on a reference model taken from literature on satisfaction and loyalty, na exploratory research of national and international tourists who stayed at the hotels of São Miguel was made. The data was used to simulate a model of structural equations to test the hypotheses of investigation. The results showed that the main influential variables of satisfaction were the quality of service offered and management of complaints. The factors that contributed most to the loyalty of the guests were the affective commitments, satisfaction, price, customer services and finally the image of the hotel itself. The information management became a fundamental factor in the satisfaction and loyalty of tourists

Situational leadership and professional nurses’ satisfaction : the example of hospitals

The purpose of this study is to describe the leadership behaviors of head nurses and compare them with the perceptions of their direct employees (nurses). The study also aims to determine the various components of leadership that have an impact on job satisfaction. Using descriptive, inferential and correlational analysis, the study was conducted in two hospitals. All nurses with either management or care duties were invited to participate, with the exception of those who work in the operating blocks and outpatient units. The final sample was comprised of 266 individuals, including 22 head nurses and 244 staff nurses. The questionnaire was organized into three sections (1) Sample characterization; (2) Leadership Effectiveness and Adaptability Description (LEAD), with 12 questions to determine the components of situational leadership; and (3) Professional Satisfaction Indicator (PSI), consisting of 30 questions that identified the satisfaction level among respondents. Data were collected in May 2009. In both groups, the most expressive leadership styles, dominant and alternative, were the S2 (persuading) and S3 (sharing). Head nurses and staff both had relatively low levels of job satisfaction, although head nurses were generally more satisfied than staff nurses.N/

Business and events tourism in the Azores: the case study of the International Big Game Fishing Tournament

Atualmente os eventos são utilizados como instrumento de promoção turística e como forma de incremento da economia regional (Chang, 2006). A Associação de Turismo dos Açores refere que “dando continuidade ao aumento da notoriedade do destino Açores através da captação de eventos internacionais (...) continuaremos a conjugar esforços, junto dos respetivos públicos-alvo, de modo a potenciar a comercialização da Região através de pacotes turísticos” (ATA, 2015, pág. 20). O presente estudo pretende aferir: a) se o Torneio Internacional de Big Game Fishing (TIBGF) contribui para a divulgação dos Açores, enquanto destino para a prática da pesca desportiva e b) se a estratégia de promoção ao evento está a surtir efeito na divulgação deste produto turístico junto dos mercados-alvos com maior potencial. A recolha de dados é efetuada através de entrevistas diretas aos organizadores do TIBGF e de inquéritos por questionário aos participantes do evento. Os resultados demonstram que a Região é capaz de criar e captar eventos internacionais orientados para nichos de mercado. Todavia, no que respeita à promoção e comercialização do evento, a estratégia adotada fica aquém das expectativas. Numa altura em que as autoridades regionais estão a implementar programas de apoio à captação e promoção de eventos, importa avaliar a eficácia das políticas promocionais no que respeita à afirmação da marca Açores no contexto internacional.ABSTRACT: Currently events are used as tourist promotion tool and as a way to increase the regional economy (Chang, 2006). The Azores Tourism Association states that "continuing to increase the notoriety of the Azores destination, by attracting international events (...), we will continue to combine efforts with the respective audiences, in order to promote the marketing of the region through tour packages" (ATA, 2015, p. 20). This study aims to assess: a): if the International Big Game Fishing Tournament (IBGFT) contributes to the dissemination of the Azores as a destination for the practice of sportfishing and b) if the event promotion strategy is to take effect in the dissemination of this product among target markets with the greatest potential. Data collection is performed with direct interviews with organizers of IBGFT and questionnaire surveys to participants. The results show that the region is able to captures international events geared to niche markets. However, with respect to promotion, the strategy adopted falls short of expectations. At a time when the regional authorities are implementing programs to support the funding and promotion of events, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of promotional policies with regard to the affirmation of the Azores brand in the international context.N/