Research Article
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Year 2024, Volume: 11 Issue: 1, 36 - 50, 01.06.2024

Lucinda Seyram Tokro , Collins Dodzi Dzitse

https://doi.org/10.17261/Pressacademia.2024.1888

Abstract

References

  • Adams, D., Donovan, J., & Topple, C. (2023). Sustainability in large food and beverage companies and their supply chains: An investigation into key drivers and barriers affecting sustainability strategies. Business Strategy and the Environment, 32(4), 1451-1463. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3198
  • Alameeri, A., Ajmal, M. M., Hussain, M., & Helo, P. (2018). Sustainable management practices in UAE hotels. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, 12(4), 440-446.
  • Aznar, J. P., Sayeras, J. M., Galiana, J., & Rocafort, A. (2016). Sustainability commitment, new competitors’ presence, and hotel performance: The hotel industry in Barcelona. Sustainability, 8(8), 755-768.
  • Battaglia, M. (2017). Sustainability in the tourism business. Symphonya,3, 122-134.
  • Bohdanowicz, P., & Zientara, P. (2016). CSR-inspired environmental initiatives in top hotel chains. In Tourism enterprises and the sustainability agenda across Europe (pp. 111-138). Routledge.
  • Boiral, O., Raineri, N., & Talbot, D. (2018). Managers’ citizenship behaviors for the environment: a developmental perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 149, 395-409.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
  • Cvelbar, L. K., & Dwyer, L. (2013). An importance–performance analysis of sustainability factors for long-term strategy planning in Slovenian hotels. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 21(3), 487-504.
  • Edgell Sr, D. L., & Swanson, J. R. (2013). Tourism policy and planning: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Routledge.
  • Elo, S., & Kyngäs, H. (2008). The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62(1), 107-115.
  • Fotiadis, A. K., Vassiliadis, C. A., & Rekleitis, P. D. (2013). Constraints and benefits of sustainable development: a case study based on the perceptions of small-hotel entrepreneurs in Greece. Anatolia, 24(2), 144-161.
  • Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variability. Field Methods, 18(1), 59-82.
  • Hassanli, N., & Ashwell, J. (2018). The contribution of small accommodations to a sustainable tourism industry. Current Issues in Tourism, 23(3), 261-264.
  • Isaak, R. (2016). Ecopreneurship, rent-seeking, and free-riding in global context: Job-creation without ecocide. Small Enterprise Research, 23(1), 85-93.
  • Islam, M. F., Zhang, J., & Hasan, N. (2019). Assessing the adoption of sustainability practices in tourism industry: Insights from a developing country. The Bottom Line, 33(1), 94-115.
  • KamalulAriffin, N. S., Khalid, S. N. A., & Wahid, N. A. (2013). The barriers to the adoption of environmental management practices in the hotel industry: a study of Malaysian hotels. Business Strategy Series, 14(4), 106-117.
  • Kaur, K., Kumar, V., Syan, A. S., & Parmar, Y. (2021). Role of green advertisement authenticity in determining customers' pro‐environmental behavior. Business and Society Review, 126(2), 135-154.
  • Khatter, A., White, L., Pyke, J., & McGrath, M. (2021). Stakeholders’ influence on environmental sustainability in the Australian hotel industry. Sustainability, 13(3), 1351.
  • Kim, Y. H., Barber, N., & Kim, D. K. (2019). Sustainability research in the hotel industry: Past, present, and future. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 28(5), 576-620.
  • Landrum, N. E., & Edwards, S. (2009). Sustainable business: An executive's primer. Business Expert Press.
  • Leonidou, L. C., Leonidou, C. N., Fotiadis, T. A., & Zeriti, A. (2013). Resources and capabilities as drivers of hotel environmental marketing strategy: Implications for competitive advantage and performance. Tourism Management, 35, 94-110.
  • Mark, M., Taylor, J. W., Sassine, N., & Torres, T. (2017). University of North Florida Environmental Center annual report 2017. Annual Reports. https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/ecenter_annual/3
  • Melissen, F., Koens, K., Brinkman, M., & Smit, B. (2016). Sustainable development in the accommodation sector: A social dilemma perspective. Tourism Management Perspectives, 20, 141-150.
  • Mensah, I. (2006). Environmental management practices among hotels in the greater Accra region. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 25(3), 414-431.
  • Mensah, I. (2014). Different shades of green: Environmental management in hotels in Accra. International Journal of Tourism Research, 16(5), 450-461.
  • Mensah, I. & Ampofo, E.T. (2021). Effects of managers' environmental attitudes on waste management practices in small hotels in Accra. International Hospitality Review, 35 (1), 109-126. https://doi.org/10.1108/IHR-08-2020-0032
  • Mensah-Ansah, J. (2014). Small tourism accommodation business owners in Ghana: A factor analysis of motivations and challenges. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 3 (1), 1-17.
  • Midgett, C., Deale, C. S., Crawford, A., Weber, M., & Bendickson, J. (2019). A cross-case analysis of barriers to sustainability in small tourism accommodation enterprises in Dare County, North Carolina. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 20(2), 144-156.
  • Nicholls, S., & Kang, S. (2012). Going green: the adoption of environmental initiatives in Michigan's lodging sector. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 20(7), 953-974.
  • Norman, W., & MacDonald, C. (2004). Getting to the bottom of “triple bottom line”. Business Ethics Quarterly, 14(2), 243-262.
  • Oxenswärdh, A. (2022). Sustainability efforts in practice in European hotels: A tricky business? Quality Innovation Prosperity, 26(3), 1-21.
  • Pirani, S. I., & Arafat, H. A. (2016). Reduction of food waste generation in the hospitality industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 132, 129-145.
  • Sanderson, M. S. (2013). Measuring importance, performance, and frequency of green initiatives among North Carolina bed and breakfast operators: A pilot study. http://hdl.handle.net/10342/1698
  • Scholz, R. W., & Tietje, O. (2002). Embedded case study methods: Integrating quantitative and qualitative knowledge. Sage.
  • Slaper, T. F., & Hall, T. J. (2011). The triple bottom line: What is it and how does it work. Indiana Business Review, 86(1), 4-8.
  • Sloan, K., Klingenberg, B., & Rider, C. (2013). Towards sustainability: Examining the drivers and change process within SMEs. Journal of Management & Sustainability, 3, 19-28.
  • Teye, J. K. (2012). Benefits, challenges, and dynamism of positionalities associated with mixed methods research in developing countries: Evidence from Ghana. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 6(4), 379-391.
  • United Nations, General Assembly. (2015). Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Retrieved from. http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/migration /general assembly/docs/global compact/A_RES_70_1_E.pdf.
  • van Haastert, M., & de Grosbois, D. (2010). Environmental initiatives in bed and breakfast establishments in Canada: Scope and major challenges with implementation. Tourism and Hospitality Planning & Development, 7(2), 179-193.
  • Vernon, J., Essex, S., Pinder, D., & Curry, K. (2005). Collaborative policymaking: Local sustainable projects. Annals of Tourism research, 32(2), 325-345.
  • WCED, S. W. S. (1987). World commission on environment and development. Our Common Future, 17(1), 1-91.
  • Weaver, D. B. (2009). Reflections on sustainable tourism and paradigm change. In Sustainable tourism futures (pp. 53-60). Routledge.
  • Yıldırım, A., & Şimşek, H. (2016). Sosyal bilimlerde nitel araştırma yöntemleri. Ankara: Seçkin Yayıncılık.
  • Yin, R. K. (1994). Discovering the future of the case study. Method in evaluation research. Evaluation Practice, 15(3), 283-290.
  • Yin, R. K. (2003). Designing case studies. Qualitative Research Methods, 5(14), 359-386.

BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN SMALL HOTEL BUSINESSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN GHANA

Year 2024, Volume: 11 Issue: 1, 36 - 50, 01.06.2024

Lucinda Seyram Tokro , Collins Dodzi Dzitse

https://doi.org/10.17261/Pressacademia.2024.1888

Abstract

Purpose- By integrating sustainability into their business operations, small tourism and hospitality accommodation enterprises will not only contribute to achieving sustainable development goals 7, 9,12,13 and 14, but also promote a culture of environmental and social consciousness that aligns with the broader objectives of the United Nations’ Agenda 2030. Therefore, this study explores barriers to the adoption of sustainability practices among small hotel businesses in Ghana.
Methodology- Using a qualitative research framework and descriptive analysis method, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 16 small hotel managers in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. The interview technique was adopted because it allowed for the acquisition of detailed information from participants on barriers to the adoption of sustainability practices.
Findings- The findings revealed a spectrum of internal barriers: lack of awareness and understanding of sustainability principles, attitudes, negligence among hotel staff, and financial constraints. External barriers, such as owner interference in managerial decision-making, exploitative supplier actions, burdensome taxes and levies, and seasonal fluctuations with low hotel patronage, were also identified as the main barriers to the adoption of sustainability practices in small hotel businesses in Ghana.
Conclusion- The study concludes by recommending targeted sustainability education and training programs to enhance sustainability awareness and cost-effective practices, while changes in organizational structures such as empowering managers and fostering collaboration between owners and managers are imperative for effective sustainability adoption and integration. Additionally, small hotel businesses should diversify revenue streams beyond peak seasons and, with collaborative efforts, advocate for supportive policies and regulations at all levels to create a conducive environment for the adoption of sustainable practices.

Keywords

Sustainability practices sustainability barriers sustainability adoption small hotels Ghana

References

  • Adams, D., Donovan, J., & Topple, C. (2023). Sustainability in large food and beverage companies and their supply chains: An investigation into key drivers and barriers affecting sustainability strategies. Business Strategy and the Environment, 32(4), 1451-1463. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3198
  • Alameeri, A., Ajmal, M. M., Hussain, M., & Helo, P. (2018). Sustainable management practices in UAE hotels. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, 12(4), 440-446.
  • Aznar, J. P., Sayeras, J. M., Galiana, J., & Rocafort, A. (2016). Sustainability commitment, new competitors’ presence, and hotel performance: The hotel industry in Barcelona. Sustainability, 8(8), 755-768.
  • Battaglia, M. (2017). Sustainability in the tourism business. Symphonya,3, 122-134.
  • Bohdanowicz, P., & Zientara, P. (2016). CSR-inspired environmental initiatives in top hotel chains. In Tourism enterprises and the sustainability agenda across Europe (pp. 111-138). Routledge.
  • Boiral, O., Raineri, N., & Talbot, D. (2018). Managers’ citizenship behaviors for the environment: a developmental perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 149, 395-409.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
  • Cvelbar, L. K., & Dwyer, L. (2013). An importance–performance analysis of sustainability factors for long-term strategy planning in Slovenian hotels. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 21(3), 487-504.
  • Edgell Sr, D. L., & Swanson, J. R. (2013). Tourism policy and planning: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Routledge.
  • Elo, S., & Kyngäs, H. (2008). The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62(1), 107-115.
  • Fotiadis, A. K., Vassiliadis, C. A., & Rekleitis, P. D. (2013). Constraints and benefits of sustainable development: a case study based on the perceptions of small-hotel entrepreneurs in Greece. Anatolia, 24(2), 144-161.
  • Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variability. Field Methods, 18(1), 59-82.
  • Hassanli, N., & Ashwell, J. (2018). The contribution of small accommodations to a sustainable tourism industry. Current Issues in Tourism, 23(3), 261-264.
  • Isaak, R. (2016). Ecopreneurship, rent-seeking, and free-riding in global context: Job-creation without ecocide. Small Enterprise Research, 23(1), 85-93.
  • Islam, M. F., Zhang, J., & Hasan, N. (2019). Assessing the adoption of sustainability practices in tourism industry: Insights from a developing country. The Bottom Line, 33(1), 94-115.
  • KamalulAriffin, N. S., Khalid, S. N. A., & Wahid, N. A. (2013). The barriers to the adoption of environmental management practices in the hotel industry: a study of Malaysian hotels. Business Strategy Series, 14(4), 106-117.
  • Kaur, K., Kumar, V., Syan, A. S., & Parmar, Y. (2021). Role of green advertisement authenticity in determining customers' pro‐environmental behavior. Business and Society Review, 126(2), 135-154.
  • Khatter, A., White, L., Pyke, J., & McGrath, M. (2021). Stakeholders’ influence on environmental sustainability in the Australian hotel industry. Sustainability, 13(3), 1351.
  • Kim, Y. H., Barber, N., & Kim, D. K. (2019). Sustainability research in the hotel industry: Past, present, and future. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 28(5), 576-620.
  • Landrum, N. E., & Edwards, S. (2009). Sustainable business: An executive's primer. Business Expert Press.
  • Leonidou, L. C., Leonidou, C. N., Fotiadis, T. A., & Zeriti, A. (2013). Resources and capabilities as drivers of hotel environmental marketing strategy: Implications for competitive advantage and performance. Tourism Management, 35, 94-110.
  • Mark, M., Taylor, J. W., Sassine, N., & Torres, T. (2017). University of North Florida Environmental Center annual report 2017. Annual Reports. https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/ecenter_annual/3
  • Melissen, F., Koens, K., Brinkman, M., & Smit, B. (2016). Sustainable development in the accommodation sector: A social dilemma perspective. Tourism Management Perspectives, 20, 141-150.
  • Mensah, I. (2006). Environmental management practices among hotels in the greater Accra region. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 25(3), 414-431.
  • Mensah, I. (2014). Different shades of green: Environmental management in hotels in Accra. International Journal of Tourism Research, 16(5), 450-461.
  • Mensah, I. & Ampofo, E.T. (2021). Effects of managers' environmental attitudes on waste management practices in small hotels in Accra. International Hospitality Review, 35 (1), 109-126. https://doi.org/10.1108/IHR-08-2020-0032
  • Mensah-Ansah, J. (2014). Small tourism accommodation business owners in Ghana: A factor analysis of motivations and challenges. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 3 (1), 1-17.
  • Midgett, C., Deale, C. S., Crawford, A., Weber, M., & Bendickson, J. (2019). A cross-case analysis of barriers to sustainability in small tourism accommodation enterprises in Dare County, North Carolina. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 20(2), 144-156.
  • Nicholls, S., & Kang, S. (2012). Going green: the adoption of environmental initiatives in Michigan's lodging sector. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 20(7), 953-974.
  • Norman, W., & MacDonald, C. (2004). Getting to the bottom of “triple bottom line”. Business Ethics Quarterly, 14(2), 243-262.
  • Oxenswärdh, A. (2022). Sustainability efforts in practice in European hotels: A tricky business? Quality Innovation Prosperity, 26(3), 1-21.
  • Pirani, S. I., & Arafat, H. A. (2016). Reduction of food waste generation in the hospitality industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 132, 129-145.
  • Sanderson, M. S. (2013). Measuring importance, performance, and frequency of green initiatives among North Carolina bed and breakfast operators: A pilot study. http://hdl.handle.net/10342/1698
  • Scholz, R. W., & Tietje, O. (2002). Embedded case study methods: Integrating quantitative and qualitative knowledge. Sage.
  • Slaper, T. F., & Hall, T. J. (2011). The triple bottom line: What is it and how does it work. Indiana Business Review, 86(1), 4-8.
  • Sloan, K., Klingenberg, B., & Rider, C. (2013). Towards sustainability: Examining the drivers and change process within SMEs. Journal of Management & Sustainability, 3, 19-28.
  • Teye, J. K. (2012). Benefits, challenges, and dynamism of positionalities associated with mixed methods research in developing countries: Evidence from Ghana. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 6(4), 379-391.
  • United Nations, General Assembly. (2015). Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Retrieved from. http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/migration /general assembly/docs/global compact/A_RES_70_1_E.pdf.
  • van Haastert, M., & de Grosbois, D. (2010). Environmental initiatives in bed and breakfast establishments in Canada: Scope and major challenges with implementation. Tourism and Hospitality Planning & Development, 7(2), 179-193.
  • Vernon, J., Essex, S., Pinder, D., & Curry, K. (2005). Collaborative policymaking: Local sustainable projects. Annals of Tourism research, 32(2), 325-345.
  • WCED, S. W. S. (1987). World commission on environment and development. Our Common Future, 17(1), 1-91.
  • Weaver, D. B. (2009). Reflections on sustainable tourism and paradigm change. In Sustainable tourism futures (pp. 53-60). Routledge.
  • Yıldırım, A., & Şimşek, H. (2016). Sosyal bilimlerde nitel araştırma yöntemleri. Ankara: Seçkin Yayıncılık.
  • Yin, R. K. (1994). Discovering the future of the case study. Method in evaluation research. Evaluation Practice, 15(3), 283-290.
  • Yin, R. K. (2003). Designing case studies. Qualitative Research Methods, 5(14), 359-386.
There are 45 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Business Administration
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Lucinda Seyram Tokro 0009-0005-2378-8210

Collins Dodzi Dzitse 0000-0002-5710-9686

Publication Date June 1, 2024
Submission Date February 7, 2024
Acceptance Date May 29, 2024
Published in Issue Year 2024 Volume: 11 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Tokro, L. S., & Dzitse, C. D. (2024). BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN SMALL HOTEL BUSINESSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN GHANA. Research Journal of Business and Management, 11(1), 36-50. https://doi.org/10.17261/Pressacademia.2024.1888
AMA Tokro LS, Dzitse CD. BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN SMALL HOTEL BUSINESSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN GHANA. RJBM. June 2024;11(1):36-50. doi:10.17261/Pressacademia.2024.1888
Chicago Tokro, Lucinda Seyram, and Collins Dodzi Dzitse. “BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN SMALL HOTEL BUSINESSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN GHANA”. Research Journal of Business and Management 11, no. 1 (June 2024): 36-50. https://doi.org/10.17261/Pressacademia.2024.1888.
EndNote Tokro LS, Dzitse CD (June 1, 2024) BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN SMALL HOTEL BUSINESSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN GHANA. Research Journal of Business and Management 11 1 36–50.
IEEE L. S. Tokro and C. D. Dzitse, “BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN SMALL HOTEL BUSINESSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN GHANA”, RJBM, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 36–50, 2024, doi: 10.17261/Pressacademia.2024.1888.
ISNAD Tokro, Lucinda Seyram - Dzitse, Collins Dodzi. “BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN SMALL HOTEL BUSINESSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN GHANA”. Research Journal of Business and Management 11/1 (June 2024), 36-50. https://doi.org/10.17261/Pressacademia.2024.1888.
JAMA Tokro LS, Dzitse CD. BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN SMALL HOTEL BUSINESSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN GHANA. RJBM. 2024;11:36–50.
MLA Tokro, Lucinda Seyram and Collins Dodzi Dzitse. “BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN SMALL HOTEL BUSINESSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN GHANA”. Research Journal of Business and Management, vol. 11, no. 1, 2024, pp. 36-50, doi:10.17261/Pressacademia.2024.1888.
Vancouver Tokro LS, Dzitse CD. BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN SMALL HOTEL BUSINESSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN GHANA. RJBM. 2024;11(1):36-50.

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