Barriers and drivers of environmental sustainability: Australian hotels

Abstract

Purpose The paper presents the findings of research into the barriers to and drivers of environmentally sustainable policies and practices (ESPPs) in the Australian hotel industry. This study aims to explore these drivers and barriers from the perspective of hotel managers and involve a range of hotels with different hotel industry profiles and management structures. Design/methodology/approach The study conducted one-on-one interviews with hotel managers to explore the barriers to and drivers of ESPPs. The purpose of the sample and sample size was to ensure representation of different segments of the hotel industry to include international chain affiliated hotels, Australian chain affiliated hotels and independent hotels. Findings An analysis of the findings suggests that the major barriers to implementing and sustaining environmental sustainability in the Australian hotel industry are time, financial challenges, availability of resources and the views and imperatives of hotel owners and shareholders. The major drivers are financial, marketing, owner and shareholder interests and guest preferences. These stakeholders play a major role in creating both barriers and drivers. Research limitations/implications Based on the results, this study can modify the application of stakeholder theory to a degree and argue that stakeholders need to co-operate further to drive sustainability. This study demonstrates that management of environmental sustainability is a challenge for many hotels and there is a particular need for small and independent hotels to embrace environmental sustainability to keep pace with their larger counterparts. Originality/value This study is broadly informed by the stakeholder theory. Owners, shareholders and associated stakeholders have a significant influence over environmental sustainability in the Australian hotel industry and they create both drivers and barriers. Responses from hotel managers in this research demonstrate that owners act as a barrier to as well as a driver of environmental sustainability initiatives in the Australian hotel industry.

Underdog Environmental Expectations and Environmental Organizational Citizenship Behavior in the Hotel Industry: Mediation of Desire to Prove Others Wrong and Individual Green Values as a Moderator

“…For example, some of the reasons include lack of conviction in the importance of tackling environmental issues, uncertainty about the benefits of participating in green programs and practices, and low environmental sustainability awareness and comprehension [ 8 ]. In addition, significant barriers to greening hotels include a lack of knowledge, skills, and resources; implementation and maintenance costs; and lack of hotel employees’ incentives to implement green practices [ 9 ].…”

Towards Green Credentials of SMEs: Qualitative Insights on Barriers to Green Responsiveness from a Developing Economy

“…The reasons behind barriers to corporate environmental behaviour are complex (Murillo-Luna et al, 2011), and are broadly classified as external or internal (Jabbour et al, 2016). Moreover, major drivers of green implementation are also seen as barriers by SMEs, and the majority of SMEs remain unconvinced of the necessity of responding to environmental issues (Khatter, White, Pyke, & McGrath, 2021). Furthermore, the SME sector possesses heterogeneous characteristics compared to large business organisations.…”

“…Individual relevance barriers are associated with the environmental concerns of the individual or the firm's management. These barriers are predominantly internal barriers that are influenced by individuals' stronger desires and needs and the lack of integration of green practices into daily operations (Khatter et al, 2021). Scholars have emphasised that individual or internal barriers play a more dominant role than external hurdles in hindering corporate green engagement (Jabbour et al, 2016;Khatter et al, 2021).…”

“…These barriers are predominantly internal barriers that are influenced by individuals' stronger desires and needs and the lack of integration of green practices into daily operations (Khatter et al, 2021). Scholars have emphasised that individual or internal barriers play a more dominant role than external hurdles in hindering corporate green engagement (Jabbour et al, 2016;Khatter et al, 2021). Hence, if SMEs are competent to overcome their internal barriers, they are more likely to be able to overcome their external barriers (Andaregie & Astatkie, 2021).…”

Fostering green service innovation perceptions through green entrepreneurial orientation: the roles of employee green creativity and customer involvement

“…Growing scholarly and practical attention has been drawn to environmental management in the tourism and hospitality realm (Jang, 2021; Khatter et al , 2021). Increasing customer awareness of the environmental impacts of hospitality activities has triggered customer preferences for green services (Hsiao et al , 2018).…”