CSR practices in small and medium-sized accommodations and their impact on the local communities

This study attempts to identify corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices for small and medium-sized accommodation businesses (SMABs) in the hospitality industry and how they contribute to the economic, environmental, and social context. Using a holistic approach to CSR, we conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with a sample of fifteen SMABs in Jordan, classified as three-star or less. The study presents the CSR practices in SMABs, some barriers and challenges faced (e.g., gender gap and employees with special needs), together with recommendations to overcome them. This is one of the first studies to examine the CSR practices of SMABs in the Middle East hospitality industry, and their social, economic, and environmental impact. Findings add to existing gasps on CSR in SMABs, more focused on large businesses, and CSR’s impact on local community, a less researched dimension, and findings can be used by decision-makers to further improve CSR practices in the hospitality industry.