The great wall against burnout: CSR's influence in China's hospitality services sector

In the dynamic arena of China's hospitality industry, understanding employee well-being has emerged as a paramount concern. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the intricate dynamics between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the pervasive issue of employee burnout, particularly within Beijing and Shanghai, the country's hospitality nerve centers. Hypothesizing that CSR can act as a protective shield against burnout, we further postulate that employee happiness and intrinsic motivation play intermediary roles in this relationship. Data collection spanned Beijing and Shanghai's diverse hospitality organizations, using a rigorous three-wave approach that culminated in insights from 385 valid responses. Through advanced structural equation modeling, the findings robustly validate our hypotheses, revealing the profound influence of CSR on burnout, mediated by happiness and motivation. This research not only elevates the academic discourse on workplace well-being and CSR in the Chinese context but also bears significant practical implications, emphasizing the strategic importance of employee-centric CSR initiatives for sustained organizational success in the hospitality sector.