Management models and differential agency challenges arising in Australian multi-titled tourism accommodation properties

This paper reports the interview findings of a study designed to appraise differential agency challenges arising between unit owners and resident managers in three distinct types of strata titled tourism accommodation (STTA) operation. The three distinct contexts of STTA management delivery investigated are: 1) management service provision by small independent owner-operators in a single STTA apartment complex, 2) management service provision in strata titled hotels, and 3) management service provision by organizations that manage multiple STTA apartment complexes. Using the four dimensional agency theoretical framework developed by Lambert (2001), it has been found that the potential for agency challenges appear to be greatest in the context of an STTA complex managed by a small independent owner-operator.