Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the hospitality industry: A review of the literature and directions for future study

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) aims to promote environmental conservation and societal well-being, exceeding legal requirements. It is a way for companies to balance economic, environmental, and social impacts, meeting stakeholders' expectations. The hospitality industry is under scrutiny for its ecological and social impact, contributing to carbon emissions, and being a major source of global waste. The rise of short-stay rentals also impacts local housing affordability. Moreover, the industry faces scrutiny regarding employee working conditions, including low wages and discrimination. Despite the significance of CSR for the hospitality industry a comprehensive account of its dimensions and impact on organisational outcomes and areas for future research is still missing. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review of CSR literature in hospitality employing a semi-systematic approach. Findings reveal that the dimensions of CSR in the hospitality industry are diverse and interconnected, encompassing environmental stewardship, social engagement, economic prosperity, ethical conduct. Future research in the field should focus on addressing conceptualisation issues and strengthening the theoretical foundations of the research. In addition, emphasis should be placed on developing an encompassing framework that establishments in the sector can adopt to effectively enhance their sustainability profiles and create a positive impact.