Implementing Environmental Management Systems in Small- and Medium-Sized Hotels: Obstacles

TLDR

Small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises dominate Hong Kong’s business landscape, yet research on environmental management system implementation in small‑ and medium‑sized hotels remains scarce. The study aimed to identify barriers to adopting and implementing a formal EMS by SMHs in Hong Kong. Exploratory factor analysis revealed nine barriers to EMS adoption in SMHs, including five hotel‑specific factors—lack of urgency, ambiguous standards, shortage of qualified verifiers/consultants, conflicting guidance, and inconsistent support—that explain the limited environmental performance improvements and inform policy for committed managers.

Abstract

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up the vast majority of businesses in Hong Kong. However, a review of the literature about environmental management and environmental management systems (EMSs) reveals that very few studies have examined EMS implementation in small- and medium-sized hotels (SMHs). This study aimed to identify the barriers to the adoption and implementation of a formal EMS by SMHs in Hong Kong. Exploratory factor analysis indicated that nine factors can hinder the adoption of such a system by SMHs, five of which are unique to these hotels. In descending order, they are (a) lack of a sense of urgency, (b) ambiguity of EMS standards, (c) lack of qualified verifiers/consultants, (d) conflicting guidance, and (e) inconsistent support. The findings offer some explanation for the limited action taken by these hotels to improve their environmental performance. The policy implications for hotel managers who are committed to implementing an EMS are also discussed.