Iranian Journal of Trade Studies

Iranian Journal of Trade Studies

Conceptual Model of Capacity Building for Innovation in Tourism Businesses Under Unstable Environmental Conditions: A Study of Erbil, Iraq

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Aram Izzeddin Nejmeddin 1
mohsen akbari 2
, mohammad doostar 3
, keikhosro yakideh 4
1 International PhD student, Business Administration, Gilan University, Rasht, Iran.
2 Associate Professor of Department, University of Guilan , Rasht, Iran.
3 Associate professor of Management Department, University of Guilan
4 Assistant Prof., Department of Management, University of Guilan, Rasht
10.22034/ijts.2024.2040004.4045
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to identify the factors and provide a conceptual model for innovation capacity building in the tourism businesses of Erbil, Iraq, amid the unstable conditions and environmental crises affecting the country. For this Purpose, the qualitative research method was chosen with a thematic approach. Research participants included scientific experts (university professors and researchers) and executive experts (managers, consultants, and organizational experts) who served as subjects in the study. The sample size was determined based on theoretical saturation, resulting in 18 participants. Sampling was conducted in a theoretical (judgmental) manner, relying on the experts’ qualifications, experience, and responsibilities. The research tool employed was a semi-structured exploratory interview. The validity of the research tools and results was assessed and confirmed based on the scientific and executive competence of the interviewees, the content validity of the interview framework as evaluated by expert researchers, and the agreement between two coders (0.72). To analyze the findings, a four-step conceptual coding method utilizing a thematic analysis approach was implemented. The extracted themes included 5 general themes, 11 main themes, 42 sub-themes, and 182 core codes, leading to the development of a thematic network. The general themes are as follows: the challenges of entrepreneurship and business in tourism, the efficiency of tourism industry management under unstable conditions, the capacity of the innovation ecosystem and tourism entrepreneurship, the development of innovation capacity in tourism businesses, and the functions of innovation capacity in the Erbil tourism industry. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that capacity building for innovation in response to crisis conditions in tourism businesses is a multi-level and multidimensional process. This process is achieved through the contextualization and simultaneous alignment of capacity building, innovation, and crisis management sectors and mechanisms within the tourism industry and its business ecosystem.
 
Keywords
Business Capacity / Crisis Management / Tourism Innovation / Erbil Tourism / Iraqi Tourism

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 02 September 2024
  • Revise Date 09 November 2024
  • Accept Date 04 December 2024