Is eco-label hotel engagement the pathway to sustainability practices via entrepreneurial resilience and orientation in Oman? Findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
ISSN: 0959-6119
Article publication date: 20 September 2022
Issue publication date: 27 January 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of eco-label hotel engagement as a pathway to sustainable practices via scouting entrepreneurial resilience and orientation at highly ranked hotels in Oman. The authors developed and tested a novel model built on resilience theory, the theory of entrepreneurial orientation and the theory of reasoned action (TRA).
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 167 human resources directors, hotel managers and other employees were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).
Findings
Results indicate a strong positive relationship between entrepreneurial resilience and entrepreneurial orientation. Entrepreneurial orientation significantly increased all eco-label strategies, but not all strategies enhanced sustainable tourism practices. High adoption of sustainability practices depended on core strategies related to awareness, benefits, reputation and necessity, but the cost was also an issue. Managers adopted sustainability practices if they were not perceived as costly, or when perceived as costly if they believed they would help them reduce operating costs.
Practical implications
Policymakers should assist hotel managers when the sector is hit by political events, natural disasters or health crises such as the current pandemic can bounce back and develop their resilience. Likewise, training and workshops can be organized to improve managers’ entrepreneurial mindset, which was found to be a precursor to favorable attitudes toward sustainability.
Originality/value
This study tests a novel model built on three theories: resilience theory, the theory of entrepreneurial orientation and the TRA by using PLS-SEM and fsQCA.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their gratitude for the Research Project Funding from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation/The Research Council (TRC) of the Sultanate of Oman, under Commissioned Research Program, Contract No: BFP/RGP/HSS/20/447.
Funding: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation/The Research Council (TRC) of the Sultanate of Oman.
Citation
Salem, I.E., Elbaz, A.M., Al-alawi, A., Alkathiri, N.A. and Elkhwesky, Z. (2023), "Is eco-label hotel engagement the pathway to sustainability practices via entrepreneurial resilience and orientation in Oman? Findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 35 No. 2, pp. 717-742. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-02-2022-0229
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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