Abstract
This paper explores the professional identity of sustainability managers within the hospitality industry. Professional identity for sustainability can be defined as a professional sense of self, often shaped by their own beliefs and values, but also influenced by the social and cultural context of their work environment. These values typically include a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical standards and a willingness to implement change within their organisation.
Sustainability commitments vary throughout the hospitality industry, creating difficulties aligning these initiatives with sustainability targets and goals such as the SDGs. The paper will extend sustainability communications literature by exploring the professional identity of sustainability managers within the hospitality industry. The paper will use signalling theory to explore how sustainability managers are signalling their professional identity and role.
Using semi-structured interviews, this paper aims to explore the role and professional identity of sustainability manages and their input into shaping corporate sustainability communications.