Appointees to top level positions in the hospitality sector : is it a matter of gentlemen first?

Abstract

In analyzing appointees to top-level positions in various sectors, including the Hospitality Sector, one cannot fail to notice such roles to be largely dominated by men. This leads one to question as to whether such a situation is a matter of coincidence or rather a result of socio cultural patterns. Fundamentally a number of traditions resulting from norms, beliefs, priorities, perception, and acceptance for submissive roles from women both in their career life and personal life, may have a direct impact. Lack of encouragement for women to fulfill high positions could also be attributed to educational systems, upbringing, career transitions and lack of mentorship together with family constraints. Once people start having their own families lack of division of duties between partners arises. Domestic duties are expected to be taken over by female partners, making it hard to concurrently focus on career growth prospects and further responsibilities at work especially following childbirth. This research will attempt to determine whether and how Push and Pull factors have a negative influence and therefore increase women’s propensity to leave the workforce, even after having achieved somewhat high levels in their careers. It will aim to provide some recommendations to assist this particular sector in implementing effective initiatives, which will have an ultimate impact on female talent retention and added value in the industry through opportunities provided in managing top positions. The main topics will include research on meritocracy and the relationships between performance and wage growth of female employees; growth opportunities along the years; salary increases of male employees vis-à-vis female employees and also female representation. Effects such as Glass-Ceiling and Glass-Cliff and how these have an impact in a person’s career will also be discussed. The notion of cultural prescriptions for a leader’s identity and whether these are locally associated with a traditionally masculine demeanor is also a subject for discussion.