01 Jun Corporate Social Responsibility in China’s Hospitality Industry.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of the key drivers of sustainable tourism. The tourism system involves many actors all working to deliver a customer experience. There is little in the way of “top down, command and control” in tourism.  So – without the active participation of companies – and the managers that run those companies – it is difficult to imagine the tourism system becoming more sustainable.

In a recent study led by Diana Chan Yu, we examined the drivers of Corporate Social Responsibility in hotels in China. A couple of findings stood out to me:

• Confucianism and commitments to a Harmonious Society provide a solid foundation for CSR in China.
• CSR often starts close to home – with stakeholders that are critical to the company’s operation. Many CSR activities involve staff members and the local community.
• Finally, while many hoteliers don’t necessarily call their activities “CSR or Corporate Social Responsibility” they actively engage in CSR activities – from supporting local environmental initiatives to supporting staff (beyond the letter of the law).

To see the full study – click here.