Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the hotel and lodge sector in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained in prominence in the tourism and hospitality sector. Despite the increasing focus of CSR as promoting and enhancing sustainable and responsible environmental management practices, there is limited research that examines CSR in the hospitality sector and in relation to accommodation establishments in particular. The literature also highlights that where research exists, there tends to be a focus on developed contexts rather than developing countries such as South Africa. Thus, this study contributes to this growing and important area of research by focusing on in hotels and lodges in KwaZulu-Natal to address limited knowledge in this area, especially in the South African developing context, drawing on primary data collected using a case study approach. This article presents the results of an online survey conducted with 60 hotel and lodge managers targeting all 141 hotels and lodges located in KwaZulu-Natal. The structured questionnaire sought information on the profile of the accommodation issues and CSR aspects. The structured questionnaire was complemented with key informant interviews to solicit qualitative information and probe further results emanating from the quantitative data. The results indicate that hotels and lodges in KwaZulu-Natal support CSR activities. Hotels and lodges use local labour, bought goods and services from the local community, donated to local charities and purchased fair trade products. CSR is often done in partnership with other stakeholders. Despite widespread support of CSR, concerns were raised about quality issues.