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Balancing efficiency, effectiveness and equity: a holistic framework for performance in the visitor economy

delete2026-01-21
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PRE
AI
B
Babak Taheri
J
John L. Crompton
K
Kevin Kam Fung So
I
Irem Önder
Y
Yao‐Chin Wang
DOI:10.1108/ijchm-04-2025-0479delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
<jats:sec> <jats:title>Purpose</jats:title> <jats:p>This paper aims to critically explore how effectiveness, equity and efficiency (i.e. the “3Es”) are applied to evaluate service delivery across the hospitality, tourism and recreation fields. It addresses organizations’ and researchers’ tendency to work in silos, highlighting the need for a more integrated approach to performance measurement.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Design/methodology/approach</jats:title> <jats:p>This paper adopts a comprehensive performance measurement system (CPMS) framework. Under this model, service delivery and staff commitment can be assessed based on three criteria: effectiveness – does the service deliver the intended benefits?; equity – are all stakeholders treated fairly?; and efficiency – how do inputs and outputs reflect effort, expense and/or waste? A review of the literature and contemporary empirical evidence informs this analysis.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Findings</jats:title> <jats:p>Performance management systems have historically prioritized efficiency, often at the detriment of effectiveness and equity. This paper reveals sectoral variations: recreation emphasizes access and community outcomes; hospitality focuses on service quality; and tourism targets destination management. Rebalancing the 3Es is essential for delivering sustainable, inclusive outcomes.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Practical implications</jats:title> <jats:p>Organizations in the visitor economy can use the 3Es framework to design performance systems that balance profitability with social fairness and environmental responsibility. More conscientious service delivery will follow.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Originality/value</jats:title> <jats:p>By positioning the 3Es within the CPMS framework, this paper places a novel cross-sectoral lens on service delivery in the evolving visitor economy. It provides a structured yet refined foundation for promoting performance measurement that is equitable, effective and efficient.</jats:p> </jats:sec>

Journal

I
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
IF:
9
Papers:
40
Citations:
0

Organization

P
purdue university and kyung hee university
Scholars:
1
Papers: 2
Citations: 0
U
university of massachusetts amherst
Scholars:
647
Papers: 343
Citations: 0
U
university of florida
Scholars:
5.1K
Papers: 2.3K
Citations: 1
T
texas a&m university
Scholars:
2.4K
Papers: 952
Citations: 0
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