Going Beyond Importance--Performance Analysis to Analyze the Observance-Influence of Park Impacts

Hammitt, William; Bixler, Robert; Noe, Francis

ABSTRACT: Importance-performance analysis is a commonly used technique to evaluate the importance of various recreation programmes and the performance of recreation administrators in relation to programme provision. In this study, the importance-performance technique was adapted to present a new approach for analysing the observance of various park use and resource impacts by on-site visitors, and the influence that these impact conditions have on park visitor experiences. The study also expanded the observance-influence grid analysis approach to park impacts by examining the multivariate relationship between the two sets of variables, using canonical correlation. The primary purpose of the research was to propose an alternative approach to analysing park impact issues which may prove useful to park administrators. A case study analysis of 971 mail questionnaire respondents and of impact conditions at three parks in the southeastern USA (Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia; the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta, Georgia; and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in Tennessee) revealed that the observance-influence grid analysis model has considerable utility for park administrators in analysing visitor perceptions of park impacts. In addition, canonical correlation proved to be a useful tool for analysing the observance-influence relationship beyond the descriptive techniques offered by action grid analyses. Impacts shown to be of most concern related to: multiple use of trails, litter, erosion, and destructive behaviours.