This bachelor this thesis attempts to apply Freeman’s (1984) Stakeholder Theory in order to recognize the primary stakeholder groups, in this case, local communities. It will try to answer the following questions: How is the Hilton’s CSR strategic level structured? Which role do communities play in Hiltons’ CSR strategy? What are the current Hilton’s CSR initiatives and goals that contribute to the welfare of communities? Moreover, it helps to clarify the company’s behaviour and relationship with its stakeholders, having in mind Freeman’s major idea that the best responses to the strong influence of stakeholders in a company are to balance their conflicting and challenging demands through the constant evaluation of the company’s sustainable best practices.
In addition, this thesis aims to examine the implication of CSR in the hospitality industry and analyse the current CSR initiatives and best practices in the hospitality industry towards the welfare of communities. Thus, this research intends to evaluate in detail the CSR strategy of one renowned international hotel corporation in order to classify the important role that communities play in the strategy and to identify CSR initiatives and best practices towards the communities as stakeholders in the hospitality industry. This study takes as example the Hilton Worldwide Hotels.
The literature part of this thesis is composed by four main chapters: the introduction and research questions, the development of the CSR idea, followed by its implication in the tourism and hospitality industry and the central problematic of CSR in international hotel companies towards local communities and finally, an introduction to the relation between the hospitality industry and the society and communities. After the introductory part, the second part introduces and describes some of the most relevant literature discoveries on Corporate Social Responsibility. In addition, it highlights the association of CSR and sustainable development, presents a variety of concepts and definitions, and introduces a theoretical review concerning its correlation with society and communities.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background
- 1.2 Problem formulation
- 1.3 Overall aim and research questions
- 1.4 Outline of the thesis
- CHAPTER 2: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
- 2.1 CSR and sustainable development
- 2.2 CSR concepts and values
- 2.3 Types of responsibilities
- 2.4 CSR theories and approaches
- 2.4.1 The stakeholder approach
- 2.4.2 The strategic CSR and shared value
- 2.4.3 The legitimacy theory
- 2.5 Reasons for CSR and critics
- CHAPTER 3: CSR IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY
- 3.1 Ethical issues and CSR initiatives in tourism
- 3.2 Green hotels or greenwashing
- 3.3 CSR reporting in hospitality
- CHAPTER 4: SOCIETY AND THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
- 4.1 Hotels and communities
- 4.2 Impacts on communities
- 4.3 Challenges towards CSR
- CHAPTER 5: METHODOLOGY
- CHAPTER 6: PRESENTATION OF THE CASE
- CHAPTER 7: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
- 7.1 Introduction to Hilton Hotels
- 7.2 Hilton CSR reporting
- 7.3 Hilton's CSR strategic structure
- 7.3.1 Mission and Vision
- 7.3.2 LightStay System
- 7.3.3 Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals
- 7.3.4 Hilton's code of conduct
- 7.3.5 Awards and recognitions
- 7.4 CR Strategy management and implementation
- 7.5 Hilton's stakeholders and communities
- 7.6 Interview
- 7.7 Hilton's initiatives and achievements
- CHAPTER 8: DISCUSSION
Objectives and Key Themes
This bachelor thesis examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the hospitality industry, focusing on its contribution to the well-being of local communities. The research aims to analyze Hilton Hotels' CSR strategies and their effectiveness in achieving positive social and environmental impact. * Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the hospitality industry * The relationship between hotels and local communities * Hilton Hotels' CSR initiatives and their impact * CSR reporting and transparency in the hospitality sector * Sustainable development and its role in CSRChapter Summaries
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the thesis, establishing the background of CSR in the hospitality industry and specifically addressing the research problem. It clearly defines the overall aim and research questions that will guide the investigation. The chapter outlines the structure and organization of the thesis, providing a roadmap for the reader.
CHAPTER 2: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), exploring its connection to sustainable development and examining various CSR concepts, values, and types of responsibilities. It delves into different CSR theories and approaches, including the stakeholder approach, strategic CSR and shared value, and legitimacy theory. The chapter also discusses the reasons for adopting CSR practices and addresses common criticisms leveled against them.
CHAPTER 3: CSR IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY: This chapter focuses specifically on the application of CSR within the hospitality and tourism sectors. It explores ethical issues and prevalent CSR initiatives within the tourism industry, critically examining the concept of "green hotels" and the potential for "greenwashing." The chapter also investigates the practices of CSR reporting within the hospitality industry, highlighting its significance for accountability and transparency.
CHAPTER 4: SOCIETY AND THE TOURISM INDUSTRY: This chapter investigates the complex interplay between the tourism industry and local communities. It examines how hotels interact with communities, analyzing both the positive and negative impacts of tourism on these communities. The chapter then identifies and discusses the significant challenges hotels face in implementing effective CSR strategies within their local contexts.
CHAPTER 5: METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the research methods employed in the study, outlining the research design, data collection techniques, and analytical approaches. It provides a clear justification for the chosen methodology and discusses any limitations of the approach.
CHAPTER 6: PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: This chapter introduces the case study of Hilton Hotels, providing background information on the company and its operations. This lays the foundation for the subsequent analysis of Hilton's CSR strategies and their effectiveness.
CHAPTER 7: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS: This chapter presents the findings of the research conducted on Hilton Hotels. It analyzes Hilton's CSR reporting, strategic structure, initiatives, and achievements, exploring their impact on stakeholders and local communities. The analysis integrates data from various sources, such as Hilton's public reports and interviews, to provide a comprehensive overview of Hilton's CSR performance.
CHAPTER 8: DISCUSSION: This chapter interprets and discusses the research findings in relation to the existing literature on CSR in the hospitality industry. It synthesizes the key insights from the analysis of Hilton's CSR practices, placing them within a broader theoretical and practical context. The chapter may also discuss any unexpected findings or limitations encountered during the research.
Keywords
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, Hospitality Industry, Tourism, Local Communities, Hilton Hotels, Stakeholder Theory, Shared Value, Green Hotels, Ethical Issues, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), CSR Reporting, Community Engagement, Social Impact.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall topic of this academic thesis preview?
This preview details a bachelor thesis examining Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the hospitality industry, focusing on its contribution to the well-being of local communities. The research specifically analyzes Hilton Hotels' CSR strategies and their effectiveness in achieving positive social and environmental impact.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the hospitality industry; the relationship between hotels and local communities; Hilton Hotels' CSR initiatives and their impact; CSR reporting and transparency in the hospitality sector; and sustainable development and its role in CSR.
What chapters are included in the thesis, and what do they cover?
The thesis is structured as follows: Chapter 1 (Introduction) sets the stage; Chapter 2 (Corporate Social Responsibility) provides a theoretical overview; Chapter 3 (CSR in Hospitality and Tourism) focuses on industry specifics; Chapter 4 (Society and the Tourism Industry) explores community impacts; Chapter 5 (Methodology) details the research approach; Chapter 6 (Presentation of the Case) introduces Hilton Hotels; Chapter 7 (Research Findings and Analysis) presents the analysis of Hilton's CSR; and Chapter 8 (Discussion) interprets the findings.
What is the specific focus of the research on Hilton Hotels?
The research analyzes Hilton Hotels' CSR reporting, strategic structure (including their LightStay system and Travel with Purpose goals), initiatives, and achievements, exploring their impact on stakeholders and local communities. It utilizes data from Hilton's public reports and interviews.
What CSR theories and approaches are discussed in the thesis?
The thesis explores various CSR theories and approaches, including the stakeholder approach, strategic CSR and shared value, and legitimacy theory.
What are some of the ethical issues and challenges related to CSR in the hospitality industry addressed in the thesis?
The thesis addresses ethical issues such as greenwashing within the context of "green hotels" and explores the challenges hotels face in implementing effective CSR strategies within their local contexts. It also highlights the importance of CSR reporting and transparency.
What keywords best describe the content of this thesis?
Keywords include Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, Hospitality Industry, Tourism, Local Communities, Hilton Hotels, Stakeholder Theory, Shared Value, Green Hotels, Ethical Issues, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), CSR Reporting, Community Engagement, and Social Impact.
What is the overall aim of the thesis?
The overall aim is to analyze Hilton Hotels' CSR strategies and their effectiveness in achieving positive social and environmental impact, particularly regarding the well-being of local communities.
What kind of methodology is used in this research?
The preview states that Chapter 5 details the research methods, including the research design, data collection techniques, and analytical approaches used in the study.
- Citation du texte
- Barbara Beltran Torres (Auteur), 2020, Corporate Social Responsibility in the Hospitality Industry and its contribution to the welfare of local communities. The case of Hilton Hotels, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/980698