Social Entrepreneurship and Disability Inclusion in the Hospitality Industry

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to examine hospitality businesses that engage in social entrepreneurial activities and hire a significant percentage of people with disabilities in frontline positions. The study suggests that hospitality can make a significant social impact by questioning preexisting stereotypes toward people with disabilities and provide significant knowledge to startup hospitality social entrepreneurs. Furthermore, many of these social entrepreneurship initiatives are aligned with principles of blue ocean strategy. Social enterprises provide employment for individuals with disabilities, raise awareness among the public, and create a disability-friendly environment by offering a unique experience to the guests. This study is among the first to examine hospitality social enterprises with an intentional focus on providing employment opportunities to people with disabilities who serve guests.

KEYWORDS:

• Social entrepreneurship
• disability
• hospitality
• employees with disabilities
• people with disabilities
• startups