Eco-innovation and competitive strategy in global hotel chains: developing a conceptual relationship model

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to comprehend the relationship between eco-innovation and competitive strategies in global hotel chains. This is a qualitative and descriptive multiple case study with a cross-sectional time frame applying thematic content analysis. NVivo (R) software is used to analyse some of the data collected, based on triangulation of information. The data sources were empirical, gathered using interviews and questionnaires at three top global hotel chains that are specialists in sustainability in hospitality. Documents were also used as a source of data. The data indicated that there is a direct relationship between eco-innovation and competitive strategies in global hotel chains. However, this relationship differs according to the case study in question. The relationship can be classified according to the biological conceptions of the relationship: parasitism, commensalism and mutualism (Saviotti, P.P. Co-evolution of technical, environmental and social system, 2010). Therefore, a conceptual model was drawn, presenting the variables related to these two phenomena.