Exploring Pro-Environmental Behaviour Among Hotel Suppliers: Evidence From Selected Hotels in Poland
Abstract
Purpose
This article examines pro-environmental behaviours among hotel suppliers in Poland, focusing on their relationship with organisational factors. The study was motivated by the increasing importance of sustainability in the hotel sector and limited empirical knowledge about suppliers' environmental practices. Its aim is to identify the most common pro-environmental behaviours among hotel suppliers and assess how company size, legal form, capital origin, degree of integration, and years of operation influence these behaviours.
Design/methodology/approach
A sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach was applied. Qualitative research (literature review, interviews, and observation) supported the identification of key behaviours and organisational factors. This was followed by a quantitative survey of 85 suppliers cooperating with six hotels located in major Polish cities. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.
Findings
The most frequently reported pro-environmental behaviours were related to energy and water conservation, as well as waste management; behaviours related to transport and environmental education were less common. Higher levels of pro-environmental behaviours were observed among medium and large enterprises, companies with corporate legal form, suppliers financed by foreign or mixed capital, and those with a longer history of market presence.
Practical implications
The findings highlight the need to promote pro-environmental behaviours among suppliers, improve supplier evaluation processes, and support smaller-scale suppliers that operate locally.
Social implications
Strengthening pro-environmental behaviours in hotel supply chains may contribute to improved environmental performance, increased environmental awareness, and more sustainable development in the hospitality sector.
Originality/value
The study addresses a research gap by focusing on hotel suppliers (a relatively underexplored group), and provides empirical insights into organisational factors associated with pro-environmental behaviours.
© 2026 Agnieszka Gawlik, Daniel Puciato, Marek Bugdol, Michał Rozpara, Julita Matkiewicz-Patkowska, published by Jagiellonian University
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.