Corporate Social Responsibility Practices in Tourism-related Businesses in Zimbabwe: Community Perspectives

Abstract

This study sought to establish the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives being implemented by tourism- related businesses for communities, including the latter’s expectations and levels of satisfaction. The resort hotels in Nyanga, Zimbabwe, were used to represent tourism businesses. Community members were the major respondents. A total of 60 interviews were carried out and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Community members acknowledged that hotels were involved in corporate social responsibility practices intended to benefit the surrounding communities. However, the initiatives were below their expectations and most of the community members were dissatisfied. An analysis of their suggestions revealed that the community members’ expectations were too high and largely unattainable. Although the community expectations seemed impracticable, hotels should try to augment their Corporate Social Responsibility activities, which, if properly executed, can create mutual benefits.