Title of Paper

Eco-rated Tourism Businesses and Corporate Social Responsibility: The Case of Maasai Mara

Author Bios (50 Words for each Author)

Mercy Chepkwony is a graduate student in the School of Community Resources and Development at Arizona State University. Her research focuses on the nexus between corporate social justice and tourism enterprises operating in undeserved communities.

Christine Buzinde is a professor in the School of Community Resources and Development at Arizona State University. Her research focuses on two areas: community development through tourism and the politics of tourism representations.

Abstract (150 Words)

Drawing on the conceptual framework of corporate social justice (CSJ), this study explores how eco-certified tourism businesses in Maasai Mara, Kenya (dis)engage with dimensions of corporate social justice, which include transparency, inclusion, accountability, impact, and sustainability. Eco-certified properties in Kenya have guidelines focused on community engagement and development. This research is undertaken in Maasai Mara, a leading wildlife tourist destination and home of the infamous Maasai Indigenous community. This study draws on data derived from qualitative interviews with 18 managers of eco-certified properties in Maasai Mara. The findings indicate that most of the corporate engagement actions discussed by respondents were enterprise driven and not community led/informed which would be more aligned to the principles of corporate social justice (CSJ). Drawing on Zheng’s (2021) suggestions on ways that businesses can adopt social good initiatives, this study recommends that tourism businesses regularly evaluate progress regarding community involvement in social justice matters.

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Eco-rated Tourism Businesses and Corporate Social Responsibility: The Case of Maasai Mara

Drawing on the conceptual framework of corporate social justice (CSJ), this study explores how eco-certified tourism businesses in Maasai Mara, Kenya (dis)engage with dimensions of corporate social justice, which include transparency, inclusion, accountability, impact, and sustainability. Eco-certified properties in Kenya have guidelines focused on community engagement and development. This research is undertaken in Maasai Mara, a leading wildlife tourist destination and home of the infamous Maasai Indigenous community. This study draws on data derived from qualitative interviews with 18 managers of eco-certified properties in Maasai Mara. The findings indicate that most of the corporate engagement actions discussed by respondents were enterprise driven and not community led/informed which would be more aligned to the principles of corporate social justice (CSJ). Drawing on Zheng’s (2021) suggestions on ways that businesses can adopt social good initiatives, this study recommends that tourism businesses regularly evaluate progress regarding community involvement in social justice matters.