Transparent nature guiding. A study on nature guides understanding of- and experience with transparent nature guiding

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to explore how transparent nature guiding is understood and practiced by experienced nature guides. In the context of nature guiding; transparent guiding and transparent nature guiding is articulated, but little elaborated and theorised. Therefore, the goal is to add new knowledge and understanding on transparent nature guiding. In the theoretical framework, literature of; nature-based tourism, friluftsliv, leadership in nature and transparency, was reviewed. The literature review showed, that limited research has been done in the aspects of nature guiding, transparency in nature guiding and transparent leadership in nature. With the aim of adding new knowledge to the understanding and practice of transparent nature guiding, the following research questions were investigated and analysed: 1. How do nature guides understand transparent nature guiding? 2. What are their experiences of transparent nature guiding in their work as a nature guide? The data collection for this study was conducted by a semi-structured interview survey of 5 experienced nature guides. The interviews made a foundation for an interpretative analysis. The analysis showed that transparent nature guiding is about sharing knowledge, experience and competence to create understanding of situations and decisions which can enhance both the safety and the experience. Furthermore, it can create a ‘common project’, where the tourists and the guide together make the adventure. Both an effect and a necessity for transparent nature guiding showed to be the building of trust and community. The analysis showed similarities and connections between transparent nature guiding, friluftsliv and ecotourism, where learning and educating is regarded as foundational. It seems that transparent nature guiding use the elements of education and learning to enhance safety and experience for the tourists, where the need of guiding experience is emphasised. This study has laid the foundation for the understanding of transparent nature guiding, and is a contribution to the recent studies on the role of the nature guide. However, further study is desirable for further adequate elucidation of this subject.