Title: Social responsibility in events

Authors: Gilpatrick Hornsby; Sheila Scott-Halsell

Addresses: James Madison University, 261 Bluestone Dr. MSC 2305, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA ' Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41240, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA

Abstract: In recent history, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has come to the forefront of many conversations and surveys in the event industry, yet no study has been completed to determine the feasibility CSR as an event industry initiative. This current study examines the CSR perceptions of 44 corporate event planners and 41 destination management organisation representatives to examine if CSR is currently a major decision-making factor in the event industry. Data were collected and analysed via qualitative methods. The findings indicate there is not one single unifying definition of CSR for the event industry. Instead, definitional groups were created that allowed for themes to be identified. The study also highlighted a disconnection between the desires of the event planners and what the DMO's perceived was being desired. The limitations of this study and future research are also discussed.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; event management; destination management organisations; DMOs; corporate event planners; qualitative data; convention visitors bureau; conventions; events industry; volunteerism; green practices; decision making.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHEM.2015.074736

International Journal of Hospitality and Event Management, 2015 Vol.1 No.3, pp.276 - 292

Received: 07 Apr 2014
Accepted: 11 Nov 2014
Published online: 16 Feb 2016 *

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