Communication to negotiate with the conflict and the adjustment of the travel community. A comparative case study the Andaman provinces.

Abstract

            This study on conflict negotiation communication and the adjustment of the tourism community, a case study of the Andaman provinces, aimed at (1) comparing the climate of the community in various dimensions and community capital related to tourism communication, (2) studying communication regarding tourism,(3) studying conflict and the communication used to manage the conflict, (4) studying communication for negotiation, the use of power, and adaptation, and (5) comparing conflict negotiation communication and adaptation of the Patong tourism community (which has a mass tourism style) and the Koh Yao Yai tourism community (which has an alternative tourism style). Community contributors included government agencies, entrepreneurs, and villagers. The data collection methods used included observation, interviews, and documents. The researcher introduced Pierre Bourdieu’s ideas and theories about capital and intercultural communication—including the conflict, negotiation, and adaptation for analysis framework along with communication concepts and theories.

                The research found that the Patong tourism community had physical capital and economic capital that had the potential to be bargaining chips for long-term tourism. Government agencies in the community acted as primary communicators by focusing on top down communication and using the mass media as a channel for communication about activities. Outside communication was found rather than communication within the community. Conflicts caused by tourism were diverse and intense, so the rules and regulations were efficiently used for conflict management.  A case study of the garbage and safety issues revealed that these problems still exist in the community despite a variety of communication strategies and cooperation from people both within and outside the community. Entrepreneurship was very powerful in tourism bargaining and the benefits of tourism caused all types of stakeholder to adapt. The Koh Yao Yai tourism community had social capital and symbolic capital which were generated by Islamic strength. Government agencies had a role to play in the form of bottom up communication. Communication with personal media and religious activities were highlighted. There was communication within the community rather than communication outside the community. There was little or no conflict from tourism and the level of conflict was minimal. Communication through kinship was exploited for conflict management. A case study of garbage and security issues revealed that they were at a level that the community could manage itself. Community rules allow the community to have unique and practical negotiation skills with stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and tourists in order to help them adapt to the community.