The Role of Educational Technologies in CSR Perception of Tourism Education: The Comparative Analysis of E-Learning and M-Learning Tools as Moderators

Tarek Khalil,Nisha Joseph,Basil John Thomas

doi:10.3390/jrfm13120318

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of educational technologies on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) perception of tourism students and their intention to work in the tourism business industry. By improving education programs with an investment in educational technologies, both universities and firms are believed to benefit from growing CSR initiatives, as well as potential young talents for their future business activities. Four-dimensional (economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic dimensions) model of CSR perception is followed. M-learning and E-learning platforms are compared as moderators to ensure the most effective platform for CSR education among the students. The study is conducted with data which is gathered from a total of 397 students who continue their bachelor and associate degrees in different universities in the Gulf nations. It is found that there is a positive relationship between students’ intention to work in the industry and the sub-dimensions of CSR, namely ethical responsibilities, legal responsibilities, and economical responsibilities. Conversely, philanthropic responsibilities had no effect on working intention. In addition, gender difference had no significant impact on working intention of the students in tourism industry. Moreover, it is revealed that e-learning tools are more effective in CSR education.

Highlights

Tourism is among the major industries that positively affect the GDP growth of a country and creates huge employment opportunities for people
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) concept is a new trend in many countries and in the tourism industry, and the majority of the industry still lacks the implementation of CSR
Increasing awareness of the society of the international CSR practices leads to an increasing concern of the local society about the engagement of companies and organizations with CSR initiatives

Summary

Introduction

Tourism is among the major industries that positively affect the GDP growth of a country and creates huge employment opportunities for people. It creates employment opportunities, major challenges are that they are considered low-skilled and relatively low paying jobs, leading to less job satisfaction (Aynalem et al 2016; Roney and Oztin 2007). Education and development prospects and global opportunities offered by firms and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have an immense role during the decision-making of the profession of the new generation, as well as their working decisions. From the standpoint of firms, attracting the members of the new generation has excessive significance in line with CSR (Arguden 2007)

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