THE EFFECT OF HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY CHALLENGES ON STUDENT WILLINGNESS TO WORK ON HOTEL

A comprehensive research framework addressing industry difficulties and student career motivation

Key Takeaways

The challenges in the hospitality industry, including adverse working conditions and high turnover rates, significantly influence student career intentions.
Robust educational-industry partnerships, effective mentorship, and comprehensive career guidance are essential to improve student retention and commitment.
The proposed research framework utilizes a mixed-methods approach to integrate theoretical insights with empirical evidence to provide actionable strategies.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The hospitality industry has long been a cornerstone of global economic development, contributing significantly not only to economic growth but also to cultural exchange and job creation. However, the industry is simultaneously plagued by persistent challenges that have raised concerns about its sustainability and appeal as a field of long-term employment. These challenges include high employee turnover rates, labor shortages, demanding working conditions, insufficient compensation, and a pervasive lack of career progression opportunities. Particularly in the hotel sector, these issues have been further magnified by rapid globalization, technological advances, and the lasting impacts of disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several recent studies have underscored how such challenges may deter emerging professionals from pursuing hospitality careers. For instance, extensive research carried out by Khan et al. (2022) highlights that even highly qualified hospitality management graduates frequently exit the industry within just a few years. This trend has been attributed to a combination of strenuous working environments and limited support systems within hotels. Similarly, Teng (2008) emphasizes that pervasive issues such as low wages, erratic work schedules, and a high level of job-related stress contribute to a diminished perception of hotel careers among students.

The experiences of students during industrial attachments and internships further compound these challenges. Studies from institutions such as Batangas State University (2023) and inquiries disseminated through academic platforms have observed that students often face inadequate guidance and support during their placements. This lack of mentorship not only hampers the practical learning experience but also reinforces negative perceptions regarding the industry's ability to provide meaningful career opportunities. Su (2014) noted that experiential learning is vital for bridging the theory–practice gap; however, when implemented poorly, it risks exacerbating students' concerns about the hospitality sector.

In response to these developments, there is an increasing demand for well-structured research to delve into the multifaceted challenges of the hospitality industry and their influence on student willingness to pursue careers in hotels. Understanding these dynamics is essential for both educational institutions and industry stakeholders. Establishing a comprehensive research framework that is equipped with robust theoretical underpinnings and empirical validation is crucial for devising strategies to attract and retain talent in the hospitality industry. Therefore, this study seeks to explore how the prevalent challenges within the hospitality sector affect students' career intentions, while proposing actionable recommendations to enhance educational programs and industry practices.

Author: Khan et al. (2022); Teng (2008); Su (2014)

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study is guided by the following three primary objectives:

To examine the impact of hospitality industry challenges on student willingness to work in hotels. This objective draws on research by Khan et al. (2022) and Johnson, Huang, & Doyle (2019) to investigate how adverse working conditions, high turnover rates, and perceived job insecurity influence career intentions.

Author: Khan et al. (2022); Johnson, Huang, & Doyle (2019)
To identify the key factors influencing career decisions among hospitality management students. Research by Teng (2008) and Su (2014) suggests that factors such as mentoring processes, experiential learning, and practical industry exposure play critical roles in shaping career intentions.

Author: Teng (2008); Su (2014)
To develop strategic recommendations for educational institutions and industry stakeholders to enhance student retention and improve working conditions in the hotel sector. Based on insights from Batangas State University (2023) and DiPietro (2023), this objective aims at formulating actionable interventions that could bridge the theory–practice gap and foster a more supportive work environment.

Author: Batangas State University (2023); DiPietro (2023)

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The theoretical foundation of this research derives primarily from Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. SCCT, as articulated by Lent, Brown, & Hackett (1994), emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy beliefs, outcome expectations, and goal-setting in influencing career behavior. In the context of the hospitality industry, this theory helps to explain how students form their career aspirations based on their experiences during internships and their perceptions of industry challenges. The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, as proposed by Pearce (2025), further complements this framework by highlighting how individuals assess and cope with potentially stress-inducing job environments. Together, these theoretical perspectives offer a robust framework for understanding the interplay between individual perceptions, external challenges, and career decision-making processes.

Author: Lent, Brown, & Hackett (1994); Pearce (2025)

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The conceptual framework for the study is organized around three categories: Independent Variables (IV), Dependent Variables (DV), and Mediating Variables (MV). This framework is designed to systematically capture the relationships between the challenges faced by the hospitality industry and student willingness to work in hotels.

Independent Variables (IV)

Industry Working Conditions: This variable encompasses factors such as workload, job stress, work-life balance, and physical working conditions. Adverse conditions have been noted to adversely affect job satisfaction and long-term career commitment.

Author: Teng (2008); Johnson, Huang, & Doyle (2019)
Compensation and Benefits: Wage levels, fringe benefits, and other financial incentives are critical determinants of job attractiveness. Low compensation is frequently highlighted as a major deterrent for students considering hotel careers.

Author: Khan et al. (2022); Brotherton (2022)
Career Development Opportunities: This includes elements such as mentorship, professional training, and clear pathways for career progression. An absence of these opportunities can lead to a lack of confidence in long-term career sustainability.

Author: DiPietro (2023); Lucas (2025)

Dependent Variables (DV)

Willingness to Work in Hotels: This variable directly measures the intent and interest of hospitality management students in pursuing careers within the hotel sector.

Author: Khan et al. (2022); Ivanov (2025)
Career Intention: This indicator gauges the commitment level that students exhibit towards long-term careers in the hospitality industry, particularly in hotels.

Author: Sonmez & Yüksel (2018); Teng (2008)
Job Satisfaction Expectations: This variable captures the anticipatory satisfaction that students expect to derive from working in hotels, influenced heavily by their perception of work conditions and career growth potential.

Author: Su (2014); Pearce (2025)

Mediating Variables (MV)

Mentoring and Support Systems: The availability, quality, and effectiveness of mentorship programs and supervisory support during industrial attachments.

Author: Su (2014); Goh & Lee (2018)
Student Self-Efficacy: This reflects the belief in one’s own ability to overcome industry challenges and succeed in a demanding work environment.

Author: Lent, Brown, & Hackett (1994); DiPietro (2023)
Perceived Institutional Support: The guidance, resources, and career counseling provided by educational institutions which significantly influence student preparedness and confidence in entering a hotel career.

Author: Batangas State University (2023); Creswell (2014)

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study employs a mixed-methods research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. The quantitative component involves a structured survey administered to a diverse sample of hospitality management students, enabling the statistical measurement of variables such as perceived working conditions, compensation, and career intentions. Statistical tools such as regression analysis, descriptive statistics, and structural equation modeling (SEM) will be used to test the proposed relationships.

The qualitative component comprises semi-structured interviews and focus groups with students, recent graduates, and industry professionals. This approach is designed to elicit in-depth insights into the lived experiences of students during internships and their perceptions of the hotel industry. The integration of both methods ensures a comprehensive triangulation of data.

Author: Creswell & Plano Clark (2017); Yin (2014)

RESEARCH RESPONDENTS

The target respondents for this research comprise undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in hospitality and tourism management programs at various universities. A stratified random sampling method will be applied to ensure representation from diverse geographical regions and institutional types. In addition, the study will gather perspectives from recent graduates who have entered the hotel sector as well as industry professionals (including hotel managers and training supervisors), thereby providing a holistic view of the factors influencing career choices.

Author: Thompson (2012); Goh & Lee (2018)

DATA ANALYSIS

For the quantitative data, statistical analysis will be conducted using software such as SPSS. The steps include:

Descriptive Analysis: To summarize the demographic profiles of respondents and their responses regarding industry-related challenges.
Regression Analysis: To determine the strength and nature of relationships between independent variables (e.g., working conditions, compensation, career development opportunities) and the dependent variables (e.g., willingness to work in hotels and career intentions).
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM): To examine the mediating effects of mentoring, self-efficacy, and institutional support on the relationship between industry challenges and student career decisions.

Qualitative data obtained from interviews and focus groups will be transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. This method involves coding the narrative data to identify recurring themes and patterns which provide deeper insights into the practical challenges faced by students. The use of qualitative data analysis software, such as NVivo, will ensure systematic processing and validation of the data.

Author: Field (2013); Braun & Clarke (2006)

INDICATORS AND QUESTIONNAIRE

To effectively capture the variables of interest, a set of indicators and corresponding questionnaire items have been developed. The indicators below are structured according to the conceptual framework and are intended to measure the perceptions and experiences of students regarding industrial challenges and career intentions in the hotel sector.

Indicators

Variable Type	Indicator	Description	Author (Year)
Independent Variable	Industry Working Conditions	Measures perceptions of workload, stress, and job environment	Teng (2008); Johnson, Huang, & Doyle (2019)
Independent Variable	Compensation and Benefits	Assesses adequacy of wages and financial incentives	Khan et al. (2022); Brotherton (2022)
Independent Variable	Career Development Opportunities	Evaluates the availability of mentorship and professional training	DiPietro (2023); Lucas (2025)
Dependent Variable	Willingness to Work in Hotels	Measures intent to pursue a hotel career	Khan et al. (2022); Ivanov (2025)
Dependent Variable	Career Intention	Assesses planned commitment to long-term industry employment	Sonmez & Yüksel (2018); Teng (2008)
Dependent Variable	Job Satisfaction Expectations	Evaluates expected satisfaction from hotel employment	Su (2014); Pearce (2025)
Mediating Variable	Mentoring and Support Systems	Assesses effectiveness of internship mentorship	Su (2014); Goh & Lee (2018)
Mediating Variable	Student Self-Efficacy	Measures confidence in managing industry challenges	Lent, Brown, & Hackett (1994); DiPietro (2023)
Mediating Variable	Perceived Institutional Support	Assesses quality of educational and career guidance	Batangas State University (2023); Creswell (2014)

Questionnaire

The questionnaire has been divided into several sections to comprehensively gauge the participant's demographics, perceptions of industry challenges, and career intentions regarding hotel employment:

Section A: Demographic Information
- Age
- Gender
- Academic Level (Undergraduate/Postgraduate)
- Institution Name
Section B: Perceptions of Industry Challenges
- On a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree), rate the following statements:
Section C: Career Intentions and Expectations
- "I am willing to pursue a long-term career in the hotel industry." (Ivanov, 2025)
- "I plan to seek employment in hotels immediately after graduation." (Sonmez & Yüksel, 2018)
- "I expect high job satisfaction if I work in a hotel environment." (Su, 2014)
Section D: Mentorship and Institutional Support
- "My internship experience provided sufficient mentoring and support." (Su, 2014)
- "My educational institution offers effective career guidance and support." (Batangas State University, 2023)
- "I feel confident in my ability to overcome industry challenges due to the support systems in place." (Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994)

Author: Su (2014); Batangas State University (2023)

CONCLUSION

In summary, the research framework presented in this study offers a comprehensive approach to understanding how the challenges in the hospitality industry impact student willingness to work in hotels. Through a robust theoretical underpinning and a detailed conceptual framework comprising clearly defined independent, dependent, and mediating variables, this research design is well positioned to provide empirical insights into the deterrents and motivators that shape career choices in the hotel sector. The integration of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies ensures that the study will produce nuanced and actionable data to guide educational institutions and industry stakeholders. Emphasizing the importance of improved mentorship, institutional support, and realistic career development opportunities, this research aims to contribute to the development of strategic interventions that can enhance the overall attractiveness of hotel careers.