Modelling Stakeholder Influence in Malaysia Homestay Experience Program: A Fuzzy Dematel Approach

Abstract

The Malaysian Homestay Experience Program (MHEP) stands as a flagship initiative in community-based tourism (CBT), designed to promote rural development and cultural exchange. Despite its success, limited empirical research has systematically quantified the influence dynamics among the program’s diverse stakeholders. This study addresses that gap by employing a fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach to model stakeholder relationships within the MHEP. A total of 40 experts comprising government, homestay operators, local community, academician and non-governmental organization (NGO) were purposively selected to provide pairwise influence judgments across five key stakeholder groups: government, homestay operators, local communities, academician, and NGO. Findings reveal that government agencies and homestay operators emerge as the principal “cause” stakeholders with the highest net influence, driving decision-making and shaping program outcomes. In contrast, local communities and NGO are identified as “effect” stakeholders, primarily influenced by decisions from higher-tier actors. The results highlight the hierarchical nature of influence in MHEP governance, providing a structured map of stakeholder interactions. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers by prioritizing strategic engagement with high-influence stakeholders and instituting inclusive mechanisms for less influential actors, long-term sustainability and resilience of the homestay program can be better achieved.