Page 48 - Sustaining Accommodation SMES

5 Research Framework and Objectives

ing research. This adaptive approach allowed support the triangulation
of perceived challenges emerging from the interviews with documented
evidence and drivers identified in extant literature, while maintaining
methodological proportionality and transparency given the limitations
of the available evidence base.

5.2 Quantitative Study: Measuring the Triple Bottom Line
Performance of smes
The quantitative analysis was designed to complement the in-depth qual-
itative findings by collecting measurable and scalable data across a wider
network of accommodation providers in the Euro-Med region. This sys-
tematic component was crucial for establishing a measurable Sustain-
ability Baseline by quantifying the current implementation levels of var-
ious environmental, socio-cultural, and economic practices. The survey
specifically aimed to determine the sector’s statistical readiness level for
the iso 21401 standard, identify widespread perceived barriers (such as
high costs and lack of knowledge), and articulate the organisational needs
required for successful standard adoption.
Quantitative research was conducted via an online survey, constitut-
ing the third critical component of the methodology. This survey aimed
to gather scalable, numerical data on sustainability practices, organisa-
tional challenges, and the broader perceptions regarding the iso 21401
standard across accommodation providers in the Euro-Med region. The
survey was deliberately designed to focus narrowly on services pertaining
exclusively to the provision of accommodation (e.g., rooms) and directly
related services, such as food provision, even for businesses engaged in
multiple economic activities (e.g., construction or transportation). The
questionnaire was systematically divided into four principal sections (A,
B, C, and D), each dedicated to measuring specific constructs essential
for the research objectives:
• Section A. Basic Information of the Study Participant and Organi-
sation: This section established the organisational baseline by col-
lecting demographic data, including the year of establishment, the
country of operation, the nace code activities (specifically I5510,
I5520, I5530 for accommodation), the respondent’s working position
(Manager, Owner, Operations staff), the organisational size (num-
ber of permanent staff, number of rooms), the types of amenities
offered (e.g., spa, Restaurant, Pool), and the type of area where the

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