A Qualitative Study of Sustainable Business Practices in the Hospitality Industry
Keywords:
Sustainability, Hospitality Industry, Sustainable Practices, Leadership, Employee Engagement, Tehran, Green Procurement, Water Conservation, Waste ManagementAbstract
This study aims to explore sustainable business practices in the hospitality industry in Tehran, focusing on the adoption, implementation, and challenges of sustainability strategies from the perspective of hospitality professionals. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights from 25 participants working in various roles within the hospitality industry in Tehran. Participants included hotel managers, sustainability officers, and other stakeholders with at least one year of experience in the industry. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, facilitated by Nvivo software, to identify key themes related to sustainable practices, challenges, and opportunities in the hospitality sector. The study identified five key themes: sustainable practices in operations, employee engagement, guest involvement, financial impacts, and the regulatory framework. Common sustainable practices included energy management, waste reduction, water conservation, and green procurement. The findings revealed that leadership support and employee engagement were critical factors in the successful implementation of sustainability practices. Additionally, while guests expressed interest in sustainability efforts, financial barriers and a lack of regulatory pressure were significant challenges faced by organizations in adopting green practices. This study highlights the importance of leadership, employee engagement, and guest involvement in promoting sustainability in the hospitality industry. Despite the challenges related to costs and resource availability, the long-term benefits of sustainable practices, such as cost savings and improved brand reputation, were acknowledged by participants. Hospitality organizations are encouraged to prioritize sustainability through clear leadership commitment, staff education, and guest engagement.
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