THE ROLE OF BOARDS OF DIRECTORS IN TOURIST ORGANIZATIONS
Tourist organizations are destination-based institutions that draw together stakeholders with interests in tour-ism. Our present knowledge of the governance of such organizations is limited. The aim of this research was to explore directors’ roles and responsibilities, and determine whom they see themselves working for. Focus group interviews with 37 directors in Norwegian organizations revealed that boards undertake several responsibilities. There seemed to be a gap between what they considered important and the level of attention given to specific responsibilities. The study further revealed that a shareholderperspective was present, yet limited in the context of tourist organizations. A stakeholder perspective could partly explain their behavior. Boards of directors in tourist organizations care for many interests, not merely the orga-nization’s owners. Theoretical and managerial implications based on the study results are highlighted.