Drivers of CSR strategies: A regional and relational approach

The purpose of this research is to analyse which factors linked to location decisions as well as to the capabilities that are developed in agglomeration environments can be conducive to the development of CSR strategy by tourism enterprises. To carry out this analysis, the degree of agglomeration of the Local Labour Systems where the companies under study are located is initially calculated. In addition, a theoretical model is developed and analysed empirically by applying the PLS statistical technique to a sample of 202 hotels located on the Spanish coast. The results obtained reflect the relevance of inter-organisational ambidexterity as a key capability for channelling the effects of location in agglomerated environments on the CSR strategies of hotels. • Broaden the approach of district theory from a focus on economic outcomes to the creation of positive sustainable externalities. • A specialisation in the core activity does not lead to full progress in sustainability without the support of developed skills linked to location. • The mere existence of networks of relationships between agents must be complemented by the simultaneous exploitation of sustainable knowledge. • Individual organisational ambidexterity is insufficient to achieve the exploitation and exploration necessary for a sustainable approach. • Individual CSR knowledge gaps can be compensated by expertise from other network members who have experience.