Study on the involvement of tourism companies into CSR actions

• Author: Grigoras L.M., Albu R.G.
• Pages: 175-184

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov

Series V: Economic Sciences • Vol. 8 (57) No. 2 - 2015

Study on the involvement of tourism companies into

CSR actions

Laura-Mihaela GRIGORAS1, Ruxandra-Gabriela ALBU2

Abstract: Hotel companies currently adopt standards and codes of conduct that take into

consideration both social and environmental results, and not only the financial ones, and

which adhered to different eco certification and accreditation schemes due to the fact that

the social responsibility plays an increasingly important role within their business. This

paper presents a synthesis of a research carried out with the main purpose of determining

the way in which four hotel units of Braşov got themselves involved so far into CSR actions,

as well as the way they intend to act in this field in the future.

Key-words: hotel companies, tourism, strategies, CSR

1. Introduction

The first definitions of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) have occurred since

the 1950's in the United States of America (Carroll 1991, 39 – 48). They had in

common components concerning the expectations of public and society in general.

Starting with the 80's, CSR-related research activities switched their focus towards

conceiving certain dimensions of CSR, and less towards new definitions. Geoffrey

Heal defines CSR as it follows: "CSR involves taking measures to reduce

outsourcing costs and reduce distributional conflicts". Kotler and Lee defined CSR

as "commitment to improve community well-being through discretionary business

practices and contributions of corporate resources" (Kotler, and Lee 2005, 3).

Basu and Palazzo (2008, 122-136) consider that CSR is "the process by which

managers within an organization discuss relationships with stakeholders as well as

their roles in relation to the common good”.

McWilliams and Siegel (2006) define CSR as "actions that appear to further

some social good, beyond the interests of the firm and that which is required by

law". Examples of CSRs include support for local businesses and charity,

development of recycling programs, and also promotion of the employment of

certain minorities.

1 Transilvania University of Braşov, grigoraslaura_mihaela@yahoo.com

2 Transilvania University of Braşov, ruxandra.albu@unitbv.ro.com