International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Volume 27, Issue 1, February 2015.
Purpose This paper aims to explore the influence of career expectations on job satisfaction of Generation Y, as well as the mediating effect of career expectations on the relationship between hotel career management and job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from the main tourist cities in China with Generation Y employees working in the hospitality industry as the target population. A total of 442 valid questionnaires were obtained, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships among the constructs. Findings Hotel career management contributed positively to employees’ career expectation and job satisfaction. Career expectation was positively related to job satisfaction, as well as mediated the relationship between hotel career management and job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by the use of self-reported data in the cross-sectional design because all participants filled out the questionnaires by themselves. The use of convenience sampling method presents another limitation for this study. Practical implications This study may serve as a guide for managers and policy makers. First, this study highlights the importance of effective career management activities. Second, this study may help hotels retain the qualified staff members. Third, this study may help hotel managers respond to the career expectation of their young employees. Originality/value This study explore the predictor and outcome of career expectations of Generation Y employees. It highlights the importance of meeting the career expectations, and also shows initial evidence on the mediating effect of career expectation. The findings of this study may provide useful guidance to both hotel operators and employees.
Purpose This paper aims to explore the influence of career expectations on job satisfaction of Generation Y, as well as the mediating effect of career expectations on the relationship between hotel career management and job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from the main tourist cities in China with Generation Y employees working in the hospitality industry as the target population. A total of 442 valid questionnaires were obtained, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships among the constructs. Findings Hotel career management contributed positively to employees’ career expectation and job satisfaction. Career expectation was positively related to job satisfaction, as well as mediated the relationship between hotel career management and job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by the use of self-reported data in the cross-sectional design because all participants filled out the questionnaires by themselves. The use of convenience sampling method presents another limitation for this study. Practical implications This study may serve as a guide for managers and policy makers. First, this study highlights the importance of effective career management activities. Second, this study may help hotels retain the qualified staff members. Third, this study may help hotel managers respond to the career expectation of their young employees. Originality/value This study explore the predictor and outcome of career expectations of Generation Y employees. It highlights the importance of meeting the career expectations, and also shows initial evidence on the mediating effect of career expectation. The findings of this study may provide useful guidance to both hotel operators and employees.