Business Model for Sustainability: The Case of Small Hotels in Bangkok

Abstract

The purpose of this research was 1) to study the significance of business model for sustainability elements affecting sustainability values of small hotels, 2) to examine the relation between elements of business model for sustainability and sustainability value of small hotels, and 3) to propose the recommendations for business model for sustainability of small hotels. This research utilized mixed methodology and employed the questionnaire to collect the quantitative data from 709 representative samples which included owners, stakeholders, and employees. The in-depth Interview was used to collect the qualitative data from hotel owners, employees, small hotels consultants, and academicians. The descriptive statistic, correlation, and testing and confirmation of the model were used to analyze in quantitative approach, the content analysis was applied to analyze the qualitative data. The findings indicated that; 1) the elements of business model for sustainability positively influence the sustainability values of small hotels in Bangkok with empirical data ( = 3.78–3.92). 2) The elements of business model for sustainability significantly relate to the sustainability values of small hotels in Bangkok with empirical data (GFI = 0.964, CFI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.031). 3) The analysis of qualitative data indicates that in order to efficiently implement business model for sustainability, it is crucial to integrate all three factors of the model in one process. Specification of sustainability concepts in DNA of the business brings collaboration to business model for sustainability practice. With sustainability network in other companies; both the same industry and other field of businesses, small hotels will be able to strengthen the business operation for sustainability.