A Diagnostic System Dynamics Framework for the Analysis of Stakeholder Perception Asymmetries in Multi-Actor Governance Systems: Evidence from Tourism Business Management

Tourism destinations operate as multi-actor governance environments in which stakeholders interpret sustainability initiatives differently, reflecting their distinct institutional roles. This study applies a diagnostic system dynamics perspective to examine perception asymmetries among governance actors, tourism and hospitality professionals, and local community members across Greek tourism destinations. Drawing on survey data from 466 respondents, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) comparisons across four perception domains reveal a consistent pattern: stakeholder evaluations differ significantly for HR sustainability practices (F = 114.60, p < 0.001) and organisational support conditions (F = 21.29, p < 0.001), while remaining broadly aligned in assessments of overall sustainability outcomes (F = 0.15, p = 0.861). Interpreted through causal loop reasoning, this is consistent with divergence at the implementation level alongside shared strategic orientations. This combination may be interpreted as indicative of feedback asymmetry together with alignment in outcomes, and carries implications for coordination and institutional trust. The study positions stakeholder perception analysis within the problem-structuring stage of the system dynamics modelling cycle, showing how observed perception patterns may be used to identify areas warranting subsequent system dynamics modelling. In this way, it advances a diagnostic framework applicable to multi-actor governance contexts beyond tourism.