Holism and social responsibility for tourism enterprise governance

Kybernetes ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 394-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tjaša Štrukelj ◽  
Metod Šuligoj
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Policy Governance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Enterprises ◽  
Governance Innovation ◽  
Enterprise Policy

Purpose – This paper strives for stressing the need for tourism enterprises' (TEs') policy/governance innovation towards more social responsibility for stimulating their competitiveness. The purpose is to develop suggested content-related guidelines for developing social responsible TE policy and to show the practical implementation guidance for implementation of the theoretical research. According to the authors' knowledge, this has not yet been researched in the field of tourism industry (TIN). Design/methodology/approach – The MER model of integral management has been upgraded by Mulej's Dialectical Systems Theory. The authors considered all relevant and only the essential aspects needed for a requisitely holistic approach towards developing the guidelines for innovating the TEs' policy/governance. Findings – Innovation of TEs' policy/governance is possible only with the requisitely holistic and dialectical approach. TEs that will be able to track the suggested guidelines of tourism policy/governance innovation towards holism, systemic thinking, social responsibility, and sustainable tourism are more likely to succeed. Therefore, the stimulating of competitiveness and innovation of the TIN can be achieved through enterprises' policy/governance innovation that the authors suggested. Practical implications – The TEs can establish socially (and otherwise) responsible enterprise policy/governance in accordance with the recommendations developed here. Originality/value – The given suggestions are not known in available literature. The paper exposes the need for holism and consistency of TEs' development potential and interdependently examines the overlaying areas of TEs' policy/governance, social responsibility, and holism/wholeness. The Dialectical Systems Theory systemic approach exposes the need to innovate enterprise policy/governance, if humankind is to survive.

scholarly journals The circular economy: rearranging structural couplings and the paradox of moral-based sustainability-enhancing feedback

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margit Neisig
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Feedback Mechanism ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organizational Networks ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Social Systems Theory ◽  
Content Type

PurposeCircular Economy is a policy and practice-oriented concept drawing mainly on engineering and natural science. This paper aims to contribute a conceptual development based on social systems theory. Does the Circular Economy have the prospect to become a sustainability-enhancing feedback mechanism potentializing an evolutionary systemic rearrangement of structural couplings, and will it encounter limitations as a general approach for a sustainable development?Design/methodology/approachBy using the Luhmannian theory as method, core concepts are semantics, structure and rearrangement of structural couplings. In acknowledging the social system’s operational closure, social-metabolism with nature is discussed. The research is in three stages. First, structural couplings of matter and social systems. Second, structural couplings of organizational networks closing the loop–eventually using digitalization. Third, the Circular Economy encountering multicontextuality.FindingsThe paper provides: (1) A four-stage structural coupling enacting metabolism with nature allowing measurement of circularity potentially useable for feedback “irritating” relevant social systems’ reflexion. (2) Identification of obstacles encountered in the proliferation due to paradoxes of strategic decisions in organizations, difficulties of structural couplings of organizational networks and the paradox of digitalization. (3) Help by future digitalization but simultaneously new side-effects. (4) The multicontextuality as the limitation for a broad sustainability approach.Originality/valueThe paper answers a call for more social science theoretical research on the Circular Economy. It develops core conceptualizations based on social systems theory. Also, advices for future research and practical implementation are suggested.

Corporate social responsibility, Waqf system and Zakat system as faith-based model for poverty reduction

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukman Raimi ◽  
Ashok Patel ◽  
Ismail Adelopo
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – Poverty is a plague which has continental manifestation, but its impact is heavily felt in several Muslim majority nations (MMNs), where unemployment, illiteracy, chronic diseases, food shortage, sectarian wars and wave of militancy are surging at alarming rates. The purpose of this paper is to develop a faith-based model (FBM) to complement the conventional poverty reduction models. Experiences have shown that FBMs find more acceptability among Muslim nations because they have theoretical and theological underpinnings from the Qur’an and Hadith, as opposed to conventional models that are often viewed with suspicion, sequel to Islamic revivalism. Design/methodology/approach – This research adopts a qualitative research method relying on secondary data/information sourced from CIA Factbook, previous scholarly works, working papers, case studies and relevant internet resources. In line with methodological approach of qualitative research, the secondary data/information were subjected to content and thematic analyses (CTA) from which facts, figures and presumptions were derived to support the FBM. Findings – The paper justified the plausibility of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR), Waqf system (WS) and Zakat system (TZS) as FBM for poverty reduction, enterprise development and economic empowerment in MMNs. Research limitations/implications – The gap left behind by the paper is for future researchers to carry out an empirical investigation on the viability or otherwise of the FBM. This could include the governance structure, operational modalities and regulatory frameworks that would enhance the functioning of the FBM. Practical implications – FBM framework is practically a corporate social investment (CSI), which would be heavily funded by Zakat payers, CSR donations and Waqf. The funds would be deployed to poverty reduction in a number of ways ranging from training, micro-credit support for SMEs, apprenticeships, setting up technology business incubation centres, cluster development, infrastructural development in industrial parks, as well as providing welfare support services to the poor, marginalised communities and other economically disadvantaged groups. Originality/value – The theoretical research is a contribution to theory and practice of CSR in the field of management and Islamic economics. It has developed a FBM for adoption by MMNs who are hesitant in adopting western model for fear of compromising their ethical values.

Private sector firms, social responsibility and poverty reduction

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Hipsher
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Public Policies ◽  
International Investment ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Foreign Firms ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perspectives of workers in one of the least developed economies (Cambodia) on the creation of new job and livelihood opportunities created by foreign firms or foreign investment. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative: randomly selected interviews of individuals. Findings Individuals working in international organizations find international business activities increase their livelihood options and therefore help to improve their lives. Research limitations/implications An exploratory approach using convenience sampling was taken which limits generalizing the results to a broader population. Practical implications The concepts explored can be used by individual firms when formulating their social responsibility programmes and the ethical implications of their business practices in emerging markets as well as by governments in creating public policies concerning poverty reduction. Social implications Presents and respects the views of lower income individuals working in the tourism industry whose voices are often overlooked when corporate social responsibility and public policies are designed. Originality/value Provides a perspective about poverty reduction of individuals from low-income backgrounds whose lives are directly impacted by international investment and trade.

Corporate social responsibility, customer loyalty and brand positioning

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 671-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morteza Akbari ◽  
Maryam Mehrali ◽  
Nader SeyyedAmiri ◽  
Niloofar Rezaei ◽  
Afsaneh Pourjam
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Brand Positioning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Travel Agencies ◽  
Quota Sampling ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In the current era, businesses and customers are becoming increasingly concerned with social and environmental issues, and unlike the past, the main focus is not merely on economic growth. As new customers are getting more informed and responsible toward their surroundings, it is necessary for enterprises to act responsibly to attract responsible customers. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on brand positioning and customer loyalty in travel agencies in Tehran, Iran. Design/methodology/approach Through quota sampling, 86 agencies are selected and a number of 200 customers of those travel agencies are surveyed by means of purposive sampling. Findings The result reveals that CSR has a significant effect on loyalty of customers and brand positioning. In addition, the results indicate that all hypotheses have significant effects except for the C-C identification on customer loyalty. Practical implications Tourism managers should bear in mind that performing CSR activities is not merely a cost burden but a viable strategy for creating competitive advantage. They should adapt their CSR activities to the industry environment. Originality/value The study provides important evidence about CSR and their role in brand positioning and customer loyalty in tourism industry. In addition, the study contributes to the literature by developing the link between CSR and brand positioning.

Support for environmental, social and economic tourism industry development in Cyprus

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantinos Charalambous ◽  
John Violaris
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Tourism ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Public Interests ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Tourism Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Industry Sustainability

PurposeThis paper aims to study and analyse thematic literature on sustainability and its challenges in destinations that highly depend on tourism. The aim of the paper is to focus on the opportunities and challenges for the sustainability of the tourist industry in Cyprus. The criteria for tourism sustainability are identified in UNESCO publications and are categorized as environmental, social and economic/financial. The paper examines the theory as well as the empirical applications regarding these criteria for the island of Cyprus, emphasizing the steps which have been taken by the government as well as other organizations towards maintaining industry sustainability. Opportunities that arise as a result of European Commission-funded programmes are also mentioned. Identification of the challenges is also very significant as they hinder sustainability practices. The paper tackles this issue and provides proposals as to the possible solutions to these challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a review of scientific and theoretical research studies by various authors on the concept and principles of sustainable tourism, the effects of tourism on society and the sustainable tourism strategy.FindingsThe basic principles of sustainable tourism development apply to all destinations, including Cyprus. The development of tourism is associated only with the observance of the principles of sustainable tourism development, which takes the form of balanced environmental and economic development and involves the observance of public interests.Originality/valueThe paper presents a viewpoint on sustainable tourism and the principles and development thereof.

Impact of Lifestyle-Oriented Motivation on Small Tourism Enterprises’ Social Responsibility and Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 1146-1160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caiping Wang ◽  
Gang Li ◽  
Honggang Xu
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Tourism Enterprises ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Corporate Social

Lifestyle-oriented motivation (LOM) is the reason that the owners of many small enterprises start and operate businesses in the tourism industry. Using a sample of guesthouses in historic Chinese towns, this study examines how LOM affects these small businesses’ corporate social responsibility (CSR), performance, and owners’ intentions to sustain operations. Applying the structural equation modeling approach to a sample of 154 guesthouses, this study finds that LOM positively influences CSR, performance, and owners’ operational intentions. Specifically, LOM promotes each dimension of CSR activities (product, environment, community, employees, and heritage protection); however, it only increases firms’ subjective performance and has no significant influence on their objective performance. The mediating effects of CSR and performance on the path from LOM to owners’ operational intentions are also demonstrated. Lastly, the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.

Corporate social responsibility in hotels: a stakeholder approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 2297-2320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Farmaki
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Stakeholder Analysis ◽  
Stakeholder Involvement ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Interests ◽  
Stakeholder Influence ◽  
Corporate Social

PurposeThis study aims to examine stakeholder interests in and influence on corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation in hotels through an instrumental stakeholder theory lens.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews with 54 managers from several sectors of the Cyprus tourism industry were undertaken using purposive sampling.FindingsThere is a dominance of supply-chain stakeholder interests which in turn outline the CSR orientation of hotels, whereas stakeholder influence, largely shaped by the interdependent, multi-faceted nature of the tourism industry, conditions the implementation of CSR in hotels. Interestingly, stakeholder influence on CSR in hotels is not corresponding to stakeholders’ perceived saliency, indicating that stakeholder analysis needs to move beyond the consideration of salient stakeholders’ interests.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the focus of this study has been the perceptions of tourism stakeholders in Cyprus, the exploratory approach adopted in the study sets the ground for further research to consider stakeholder issues regarding CSR in hotels from an instrumental perspective. In addition, insights from this study might inform practitioners in similar destinations.Originality/valueIn encouraging a holistic approach to strategic CSR in hotels, this study contributes a framework of stakeholder roles, emanating from stakeholder responsibility and stakeholder involvement in CSR in the hotel sector that will be of interest to both academics and practitioners.

scholarly journals Adopting interoperability solutions for online tourism distribution

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Reino ◽  
Aurkene Alzua-Sorzabal ◽  
Rodolfo Baggio
Keyword(s):  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Global Distribution Systems ◽  
Tourism Enterprises ◽  
Online Travel ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
Micro Enterprises

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that make the adoption of interoperability solutions for online tourism distribution (OTD) more likely by small operators and to develop an evaluation framework for this solutions. Research identifying these determinants is missing. The resulting evaluation framework is then applied to evaluate a number of extant technological solutions focused on interoperability solutions for OTD. Design/methodology/approach – In an attempt to address this gap of research, this paper undertakes a series of interviews and focus groups of the European tourism industry. Findings – Findings partly aligned with the suggestion made by previous research about technology adoption by micro, small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs), they also highlighted some issues which are specific to the adoption of interoperability solutions for OTD. These related to the scarcity of information and communication technology (ICT) applications specifically designed for mini and micro enterprises, the very limited capabilities available for using efficiently ICTs in business-to-business (B2B) operations and the difficulty in collaborating with other companies due to the number of different solutions used in the industry, especially when dealing with large aggregators (global distribution systems (GDSs) or large online travel agencies) and lack of standardization for data. Research limitations/implications – The study has important theoretical implications. It provides a better understanding of issues affecting the adoption of interoperability solutions for OTD by SMTEs, such as the scarcity of ICT applications specifically designed for mini and micro enterprises, the very limited capabilities available for using ICTs efficiently in B2B operations and lack of standardization. Practical implications – It facilitates making decisions about adopting interoperability solutions for online distribution solutions, both by suppliers and destination managers. Originality/value – Limited work has focused on understanding issues affecting the adoption of interoperability solutions for OTD solutions among SMTEs.

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