Drivers and barriers of corporate social responsibility engagement within small, medium and micro hospitality enterprises : the case of the hospitality sector in South Africa

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a multifaceted concept when considered from a multiple stakeholder perspective. CSR is not a new concept and has evolved into a widely accepted business practise. CSR engagement di ers from business to business in terms of organisational context, size, industry and country. This paper explores the drivers and barriers of CSR engagement in the context of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the hospitality sector in South Africa. This study uses the stakeholder theory, to investigate the stakeholders considered by hospitality SMMEs when engaging in CSR activities. Data was collected using purposive and snowballing sample methods where 102 owners and/or managers of hospitality SMMEs completed an online survey. A standard multiple regressions model was used to analyse the data. The results illustrate that hospitality SMMEs positively engage in CSR with the main drive to protect the environment. However, the SMMEs' main barrier is the lack of nancial resources to be more responsible. Hospitality SMMEs consider their employees to be a vital stakeholder. This study has practical implications for owners to collaborate with important stakeholders, such as their employees or suppliers, and establish policies that de ne CSR practises within their SMME.