Environmental strategies and organizational competitiveness in the hotel industry: The role of learning and innovation as determinants of environmental success

This paper examines the links between proactive environmental strategies, organizational capabilities and competitiveness. A model is proposed and tested using a sample of 232 Spanish hotels. An orientation for learning and innovation are conceived not only as drivers for adopting pro-environmental policies, but also as determinants of competitiveness. Data are analyzed through the use of partial least squares. The findings confirm that a proactive environmental strategy and innovation favor organizational competitiveness. However, a learning orientation does not directly predict organizational competitiveness. The paper discusses both conceptual and practical implications for the development of successful hotel operations and management. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.