Original Research - Special Collection: Managerial Practices

Technological, organisational and environmental drivers of sustainability in hotels

Maria Martin Lucas, Libertad Moreno-Luna, Aloysius O.S.B. Roets, Sarmad Al-Jaberi
South African Journal of Business Management | Vol 55, No 1 | a4815 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v55i1.4815 | © 2024 María Martín Lucas, Libertad Moreno-Luna, Aloysius O.S.B. Roets, Sarmad Al-Jaberi | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 July 2024 | Published: 30 September 2024

About the author(s)

Maria Martin Lucas, Department of Business Management and Sociology, Faculty of Business, Finance and Tourism, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
Libertad Moreno-Luna, Department of Business Management and Sociology, Faculty of Business, Finance and Tourism, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
Aloysius O.S.B. Roets, Roman Catholic Dioceses of Keimoes, Keimoes, Upington, South Africa
Sarmad Al-Jaberi, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to analyse the position of 155 hotel managers in Africa and Asia about implementing sustainability practices (SP) focussing their competitive advantage (CA). Sustainability practices and CA are explained through the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework within the hospitality, tourism and travel industries.

Design/methodology/approach: The Structural Equation Model based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) methodology was applied to hotels in African countries, including South Africa, as well as Asia. Six variables were analysed in order to study the impact of SP in CA.

Findings/results: Findings imply that technological advancements, organisational commitments and environmental considerations collectively foster robust SP in emerging economies. The adoption of eco-friendly technologies (TS), the integration of sustainable policies (OS) and adherence to environmental regulations (ES) collectively contribute to the sustainability goals of hotels.

Practical implications: The study reveals that hotels in emerging markets should strategically emphasise the TOE framework to enhance SP and CA. Investing in advanced technologies, implementing effective organisational practices and adhering to environmental standards significantly improve sustainability performance.

Originality/value: While the TOE model has been extensively studied across various industries, limited research has explored its application in tourism. This study uniquely investigates how SP can enhance CA in the tourism sector through comparative analysis.


Keywords

managerial practices; tourism industry; sustainability practices (SP); Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework; emerging and developed economies

JEL Codes

A10: General

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Metrics

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