| Author: | Yang, Mei |
| Title: | Developing a stakeholder engagement framework for international hotel chains managing hotel environmental sustainability in China |
| Advisors: | Wang, Dan (SHTM) |
| Degree: | DHTM |
| Year: | 2024 |
| Subject: | Hospitality industry -- China Sustainable tourism Hospitality industry -- Environmental aspects Sustainable development Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | School of Hotel and Tourism Management |
| Pages: | xi, 188 pages : color illustrations |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | The growing environmental impact of the hotel industry necessitates the adoption of sustainable practices. International Hotel Chains (IHCs) launched Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) programs globally to tackle the challenge, such as, Hilton's "Travel with Purpose", Marriott's "SERVE360", and Hyatt's "World of Care". Driven by global trends and corporate mandates, IHCs operating in China are similarly required to implement environmental programs. However, research on the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement for achieving environmental sustainability within IHCs in China remains limited. This study addresses this gap by developing a framework and analyzing how IHCs can effectively engage stakeholders in their environmental sustainability initiatives. Informed by stakeholder theory and agency theory, the research employs a qualitative, multiple case study approach. Data collection involved document reviews, field observations, and semi-structured interviews with 30 key stakeholders across selected IHCs in China. The study first investigated IHC environmental sustainability efforts, including their level of commitment, specific programs and practices implemented, and impact measurement strategies. It then analyzed stakeholder perspectives on these efforts and discussed both challenges and opportunities for stakeholder engagement. The findings highlight the crucial role of stakeholder engagement in successful sustainability implementation. By understanding the diverse interests and concerns of stakeholders (hotel managers, employees, owners, guests, industry associations, and local communities), IHCs can build collaborative partnerships and leverage resources to achieve shared environmental goals. Based on these findings, the research developed an Integrated Stakeholder Sustainability Management framework (ISSM framework). This framework provides a structured approach for effective stakeholder engagement specifically for IHCs operating in China. The framework emphasizes four components, including stakeholder identification and mapping, materiality assessment, tailored engagement strategies, and performance measurement and reporting. Building upon the foundation of agency theory principles, the research offers specific strategies for engaging each stakeholder group, presented in an engagement map. This study contributes to the understanding of stakeholder engagement for environmental sustainability within the Chinese hotel industry. By providing a practical framework and actionable recommendations, it empowers IHCs to implement effective environmental sustainability programs in China and contribute to a greener hospitality sector. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7884.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 1.79 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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