Does mediation of intellectual capital is required among strategic innovation orientation, entrepreneurial orientation and eco-hotel sustainability in emerging economies

This study investigates the relationships among Strategic Innovation Orientation, Entrepreneurship Orientation, Intellectual Capital, and Eco-Hotel Sustainability (SA) in the context of eco-hotels in Ethiopia. Primary and secondary data were employed in present investigation. The researcher used quantitative approach. To collect data structured questionnaire was employed. Target population of this study comprised of employees of hotels providing different services in hotels located in Hawassa city in Ethiopia. By using stratified sampling method with the help of Yamane 1967 formula, 255 members of staff were used to collect data. Structural equation modeling with the help of EFA and CFA was used to analyze data. The results show that while strategic innovation orientation insignificant direct impact on sustainability of eco hotels, there is a considerable indirect benefit through intellectual capital, indicating full mediation of intellectual capital between strategic innovation orientation and eco hotel sustainability. Intellectual capital also acts as a mediator in the link amongst entrepreneurship orientation and sustainability of eco-hotel. The outcome of this investigation reveals an importance of human capital to advance sustainability programs in eco hotels, and they imply that businesses should place a strong priority on staff skill and knowledge development. The report emphasizes how human resource development and sustainability practices are intertwined, and it calls for a strategic alignment that incorporates both intellectual capital investment and strategic innovation orientation. Eco hotels better execute new processes and adapt to the demands of the market by cultivating an informed and capable staff which is intellectual capital. The research’s results advance the theoretical knowledge of sustainable business practices and provide useful advice for companies looking to improve their sustainability initiatives while maintaining a competitive edge over the long run.