The Mediating Role of Employee Perceived Value in the ESG–Sustainability Link: Evidence from Taiwan’s Green Hotel Industry

Chang-Yan Lee (), Wei-Shang Fan and Ming-Chun Tsai
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Chang-Yan Lee: Department of Business Administration, Nanhua University, Chiayi County 622301, Taiwan
Wei-Shang Fan: Department of Business Administration, Nanhua University, Chiayi County 622301, Taiwan
Ming-Chun Tsai: Department of Business Administration, Ling Tung University of Science and Technology, Taichung City 408, Taiwan

Tourism and Hospitality, 2025, vol. 6, issue 3, 1-16

Abstract: Prior studies have generally confirmed that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices have a positive impact on perceived value and sustainability performance. However, empirical research examining the mediating role of employee-perceived value in the relationship between ESG and sustainability performance from the perspective of internal stakeholders remains limited. To address this gap, this study aims to understand the relationship among ESG, employee-perceived value, and sustainable management in green hotels in southern Taiwan. Using a convenience sampling method, 277 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results show that ESG practices have significant positive effects on both employee-perceived value and sustainability performance, with perceived value partially mediating the relationship between the two, highlighting the critical role employees play in promoting sustainable management. Based on the empirical findings, it is recommended that companies strengthen internal ESG communication and education to ensure that employees understand ESG goals and outcomes and integrate them into daily work. Employee-centered participation programs, such as green innovation contests and community carbon reduction activities, should be designed to enhance emotional value and organizational identification. Companies should internalize ESG principles into corporate culture and management processes, reinforcing sustainable behaviors through performance appraisals, leadership modeling, and continuous dialogue. Finally, ESG should be positioned as a core strategy aligned with long-term corporate objectives, enhancing employee commitment and creating competitive advantages that attract support from customers and stakeholders.

Keywords: ESG; perceived value; sustainability performance; hospitality industry; Structural Equation Modeling; Taiwan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Z3 Z30 Z31 Z32 Z33 Z38 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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