Factors Affecting Women's Career Advancement in the Hospitality Industry: Perceptions of Students, Educators and Industry Recruiters

The underrepresentation of women in top management positions is an important concern in the hospitality industry, in spite of the increasing number of women employees. This study examined factors affecting women's career advancement in the hospitality industry. An online survey was conducted on a convenience sample of 226 hospitality students, educators and recruiters. Seven factors were extracted: External (e.g. network, mentor), Character, Equity, Family issues, Lack of support, Advancement and Treatment. A major finding of this research was that significant differences existed in perceptions by gender and groups (students, educators, and recruiters). Group differences showed that industry recruiters always had significant differences with educators and students. The findings indicated that hospitality education programs could implement a number of measures to better prepare women for leadership roles in the hospitality industry.