Does CSR Foster Inclusion and Diversity? An Exploratory Study of Ibero-American Countries

Abstract

This paper aims to develop the theoretical concept of the social dimension of corporate social responsibility (CSR) through an empirical study focusing on the Ibero-American hospitality industry. We examined social initiatives in general and, in particular, diversity and social inclusion initiatives in four different Ibero-American countries: Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Spain. We conducted 54 interviews involving 37 hotel chains. Our study revealed that a significant number of the actions carried out within the framework of the social dimension of CSR, and more specifically diversity and social inclusion, are in response to the concerns of certain people (human resources personnel or managers) rather than a perfectly shaped policy on the actions to be undertaken. Therefore, different actions have been undertaken in hotels that belong to the same chain, depending on the geographical area in which the hotels are operated. After having analyzed the actions undertaken by the hotels to promote diversity and social inclusion, we concluded that CSR actions are still in their early stages.

Keywords: Hospitality industry, Ibero-American, CSR, Diversity, Social inclusion

JEL Classification: M1