Career mobility of general managers

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master_Kuosa_Miia_2023.pdf (1.56 MB)

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School of Business | Master's thesis
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Date

2023

Department

Johtamisen laitos

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

Management and International Business (MIB)

Language

en

Pages

87+16

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Abstract

Career mobility plays a significant role in today's society, shaping individuals' sense of self-worth beyond mere income generation. While research on career mobility exists in various industries, limited attention has been given to hotel general managers in the hospitality context. This research aims to address this research gap by exploring the implications of career mobility on the talent profiles of general managers in the hospitality industry. Existing literature suggests that career mobility enhances employees' skills and benefits both individuals and organisations. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the specific types of mobility and their implications. Therefore, a better understanding of the impacts of geographic and organizational moves can enable employees to identify career patterns and organisations to develop policies that motivate employees and attract top talent. This study focuses on the hotel industry, which provides an interesting context for investigating mobility due to the highly mobile nature of hospitality employees, particularly general managers. General managers often work across different organisations, geographic locations, and hold high-profile roles with self-directed careers. Their performance can have far-reaching consequences for hotel employees and the surrounding community. The research was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by significant changes in the industry and labour force trends. The pandemic has presented new challenges, including labour shortages, making it crucial to understand career mobility patterns and their impacts on general managers' careers. The study analysed interviews with 20 general managers from various backgrounds, working in different types of hotels, star classifications, and geographic locations. The research objectives focused on understanding different types of career mobility, unpacking mobility and immobility patterns, and exploring how mobility impacts general managers' talent profiles. The findings reveal both geographic and organisational mobility among general managers, with patterns that either encourage or hinder mobility. The study makes theoretical contributions by drawing on both job embeddedness theory and human capital theory to understand the impact of career mobility on talent profiles. The research also identifies different mobility strategies pursued by general managers, providing insights into individuals’ decision-making processes and career aspirations. Employers and organisations can benefit by understanding the motivations and aspirations of their general managers, offering growth opportunities, and fostering an environment that supports mobility and professional development to achieve increased organisational performance. The insights gained from general managers' mobility experiences provide valuable information for both researchers, organisations and individuals, enabling informed decisions and strategies in navigating career paths within the dynamic hospitality industry.

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Thesis advisor

Kautto, Daria

Keywords

mobility, hospitality, career, hotel, managers

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202308204883

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[gradu] Kauppakorkeakoulu / BIZ