The Effectiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility Programs in Hotels at Addressing Social and Environmental Issues

EasyChair Preprint 15794

Abstract

The hospitality industry in its many facets can be a powerful advocate and tool for addressing environmental challenges. The scale of hospitality organisations, impact on local communities and range of unique operational capabilities means that it is in a unique position to be a positive tool for delivering change and meeting environmental targets. This combined with recent legislation in terms of waste controls, environmental damage, green building, and marketing have meant that operators have focused on strategically aligning Corporate Social Responsibility CSR and sustainable goals into the core of their business objectives. 

The purpose of this research is to examine the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility programs in the hospitality industry at addressing environmental and social issues. The research project analyses the motivations behind hotels implementing CSR programs and how they measure the effectiveness of them. Furthermore, the research sets out what the general content of a CSR program consists of and whether it is creating shared value and addressing key sustainable challenges. The research was conducted through a qualitative method approach of semi structured interviews of senior management, and questionnaire of perceptions on sustainability in the future.

The results suggest that the motivation behind implementing a CSR program is multi-faceted, but the main motivations are the upholding of fair and ethical work practices, integration with the local community, environmental sustainability, and the support of local charities. Moreover, the protection of brand image and compliance with regulation was also mentioned although not as the primary motivation. The concept of shared value was found to be taking place in certain instances particularly regarding collaboration with external charities and environmental sustainability being blended into strategic objectives.

Keyphrases: Corporate Social Responsibility, Innovation, Sustainability, Sustainable Initiatives, shared value

@booklet{EasyChair:15794,
  author    = {Alexander Muir},
  title     = {The Effectiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility Programs in Hotels at Addressing Social and Environmental Issues},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 15794},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2025}}