Esperanza Suarez

The human resources management contribution to social responsibility and environmental sustainability: explorations from Ibero-America

Abstract In this paper we aim to advance the discussion on HRM’s quest to create value around social responsibility and environmental sustainability. We explore the perceptions reported by Human Resource managers in three Ibero-American countries (Spain, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica). We focus on the hospitality sector, one of particular relevancy for these countries and with significant sustainability challenges. Relying on in-depth interviews in twenty-eight organizations and a mixed-methods approach, we examine HR managers’ underlying notions around social and environmental issues, stakeholder collaboration, HRM practices, roles and internal organization. Analysis of the interviews suggests varying views on those dimensions, as well as identifies Active and Advanced firms, the latter showing more commitment to sustainability (as part of the organizational culture), usage of HRM practices and engagement with multiple stakeholders. From this empirical exploration and relying on current sustainability developments, we contribute to the literature by outlining an externally-oriented model (centred on corporate priorities, communities’ flourishing and ecosystems’ resilience) aiming to advance HRM’s engagement with sustainability-driven agendas.

Corporate Social Responsability as a tool for Social Innovation

This paper aims to analyze the social dimension of corporate social respon- sibility (CSR)as a tool of social innovation through an empirical study focus- ing on the Ibero-American hospitality industry. 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 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 under- taken. 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, we concluded that CSR actions are still in their early stages. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/ICBM.2015.1211