Correspondence: Paulina Bohdanowicz, E-mail: paulina_bohdanowicz@yahoo.com

¹has a PhD in energy technology (Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden) and a PhD in social science (University of Gdansk, Poland). Bohdanowicz is currently working in the industry and guest lecturing at tourism and hospitality schools.

²has a PhD in economics (University of Gdask, Poland), MA in HRM (College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium), Diploma of Economics (Paris Chamber of Commerce, France), DEUF (Jean Moulin III University, Lyon, France). He is currently lecturer in HRM at Gdask Higher School of Administration and consultant for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Received 10 December 2008; Revised 10 December 2008; Published online 9 March 2009.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the question of how hotel companies contribute to improving the quality of life in host communities and the well-being of their employees. A number of research techniques were employed, which allowed to see what the hospitality sector has done to further the aforesaid end. The findings are placed into the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR), and it is argued that, in recent years, hotel companies have gone to great lengths to improve the quality of life in local communities and the well-being of their employees. Critically, by presenting concrete initiatives and highlighting their rationale, it is shown that a growing number of hotels have embedded the idea of CSR into their business models. The paper concludes by asserting that international hotel companies can play an important role in the development of host communities.