New Learning Theory and its Resultant Impact on Achieving Economic Objectives: An Experimental Organisation Development (OD) Approach with respect to Local Tourist Guides at Thenmala and Periyar Tiger Reserve

Abstract

There are different approaches to OD. But all models of OD is concerned with behaviour modification of employees and hence to improve their efficiency and that of the organisation. Here the researcher has developed Variable Analysis Model of OD. The concept is very simple if any problem of the employee in his internal or external environment (Independent Variable) gets sorted out; it would result in behaviour modification (Dependent Variable) of the employee. Here when the tourist service quality problems got sorted out through REL, it resulted in behaviour modification of the local tourist guides. Behaviour modification led to lower level of tourist complaints and greater economic benefits for the local tourist guides. When REL was applied, tourist complaints came down to below one percent in Thenmala and PTR. In both the destinations, there is a significant improvement in local tourist guides' economic benefits after the introduction of REL. Less complaints from the part of tourists, obviously show greater customer satisfaction. When the customer satisfaction levels of tourists improved considerably, it resulted in generous tip from their part. It has been empirically proved that behaviour modification of local tourist guides' is negatively correlated with problems in their working environment. Hence the research hypothesis stands.

Key Words: OD, Variable Analysis Model, Welfare Economics, Dependent Variable, Independent Variable