Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder engagement: A case study of affordable housing in Whistler

In many mountain resort communities, affordable housing for employees is limited due to a variety of forces. The overall objective of this research is to apply the fundamentals of CSR and stakeholder engagement to examine the extent to which resort corporations are shaping socially responsible management policies and practices to address affordable housing issues. A case study was undertaken in Whistler, British Columbia, in which this objective was examined. Findings suggest that Intrawest has been supportive in helping the community develop policies to address affordable housing issues. However, Intrawest has been reluctant to develop more affordable housing beyond its initial staff-housing. It has also been disinclined to engage community stakeholders in its business decisions that may impact housing affordability. Several management recommendations are suggested which represent opportunities for Intrawest to incorporate CSR into its operating strategies. These are also designed to mitigate affordable housing issues while enhancing corporate value creation.