Hospitality SMEs and the circular economy

Strategies and practice post-Covid

Bibliographic Data

ID21296533
AuthorsRobert Bowen (0000-0002-8492-2701, Cardiff University), David Dowell (0000-0003-4788-5240, University of St Andrews), David R Morris (0000-0003-4355-2211, Aberystwyth University)
Year2024
Volume126
Issue1
Pages80-97
Publication date2024-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBritish Food Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0007-070X • E-ISSN: 1758-4108
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/bfj-10-2022-0932
OpenAlexW4321102313
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited39

Purpose This research evaluates specific circular economy issues in relation to the hospitality sector. This is investigated in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the impact that the experiences of UK hospitality SMEs had on their circular economy activities. Viewed through a resource bricolage lens, for some this was a consequence of the challenges of the pandemic, while others were proactive in pursuing circular economy strategies. Design/methodology/approach A sequential mixed methods research design is established based on a pragmatic worldview. The first phase analyses secondary data from the Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS) to evaluate circular economy aspects on hospitality businesses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Phase 2 collects and analyses qualitative semi-structured interview data from directors of hospitality SMEs to investigate the experiences of businesses in this research context. Findings Results point to a desire for hospitality SMEs to engage in circular economy activities, especially as a means of achieving financial efficiency, however this is sometimes constrained by increased costs. Resource bricolage theory underlines potential advantages for SMEs to engage with the local community to support circular economy activities and bring mutual benefits. Originality/value This research contributes to the under-researched topic of circular economy issues in hospitality SMEs. The focus on SMEs is significant as small businesses are more resource-constrained than larger businesses. The context of the post-COVID period is also notable due to changing attitudes towards circular economy aspects from the experiences of the pandemic

Bricolage · Business · Circular economy · Context (archaeology) · Geography · Hospitality · Originality · Political science · Qualitative research · Resource (disambiguation) · Social science · Sociology · Tourism · Environmental Sustainability in Business · Innovation and Socioeconomic Development · Marketing · Sustainable Supply Chain Management