HIV and AIDS policy implementation: the case of a major South African hotel group

Abstract

HIV and AIDS have a disrupting impact on all businesses by increasing costs and decreasing productivity. This applies, in particular, to South Africa, a country faced with extremely high HIV and AIDS infection rates which, in turn, are exacerbated by social and economic inequalities and poverty. Service-intensive industries such as the hospitality industry are more likely to be directly affected by the effects of HIV and AIDS, as their employees are expected to work long and strenuous hours. This study confirms that the effective implementation of HIV and AIDS policies could mitigate the detrimental effects of the disease in the hospitality industry, and presents the empirical findings of a study conducted at a major South African hotel group.