Challenges of Managing Talent in Hospitality Sector

This research project focuses on evaluating the challenges of managing talent in the hospitality sector, specifically in Marriott hotel. It explores the various challenges associated with talent management and provides strategies to cope with these challenges. The aim is to improve business success and performance.

Research Project

Table of Contents
Research topic: “To evaluate the Challenges of managing talent in the hospitality sector”. A case
study on Marriott hotel.....................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................................................1

Overview of Research............................................................................................................1
Rationale for research.............................................................................................................1
Aim and objective...................................................................................................................1
Research questions.................................................................................................................2
Activities and Time scale.......................................................................................................2
Chapter 2: Literature review............................................................................................................3
Chapter 3: Research Methodology...................................................................................................5
Chapter 4: Interpretation and analysis.............................................................................................9
Chapter 5: Research outcome and communication........................................................................13
Research outcomes...............................................................................................................13
Stakeholders and communication.........................................................................................14
Recommendations................................................................................................................14
Chapter 6: Reflection and conclusion............................................................................................14
Reflection on effectiveness of current research method.......................................................14
Alternative research method.................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16

Research topic: “To evaluate the Challenges of managing talent in the
hospitality sector”. A case study on Marriott hotel.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview of Research
Marriott hotel is a well known American multinational hotel and provide all
accommodation and related lodging facilities to its customers. With the increase in the level of
competition especially in hospitality sector it become necessary for Marriott hotel to focus more
on talent management in its organisation to ensure availability of more skilled and talented
workforce to maintain its productivity and success level (Neri and Wilkins, 2019). There are
various challenge and issues associated with management of talent that are evaluated and
determined with the help of current research to ensure better strategies to cope with these issues.
Rationale for research
The selection of current research topic is rationale and justifiable as:
 Provide information about suitable strategies that are useful to cope up with issues of
talent management to have better business success and performance.
 It is also suitable from academic view point of researcher and lead to better knowledge
and educational development.
Aim and objective
The aim of this research work is, “To study the various challenges faced by hospitality
organisation in managing challenge.” Beside this, the current research also focuses on ways or
strategies that could be implementing by an organization to deal with the issues related with
talent management.
Research Objectives
The main objectives of this research project conducted on Marriott hotel are stated as
follows:
• To study the concept of talent management.
• To determine the various challenges associated with managing talent in Marriott hotel
(Kerr and et. al., 2019).
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• To identify the various ways or strategies that could be implement by Marriott hotel
to deal with the issues related with talent management.
Research questions
The research questions that would be answered and evaluated by current research work
are as follows:
• What implication are you having about the concept of talent management?
• What are the possible challenges associated with managing talent in Marriott hotel?
• What are the various ways or strategies that could be implement by Marriott hotel to
deal with the issues related with talent management?
Activities and Time scale
To present all the associated activities together with their time scale and duration for current
research is provided with the help of using a Gantt chart which comprises of graphical
representation which includes various series associated with horizontal lines. This chart is
created with purpose of showing specific amount of research work which is completed during
certain period of time (Adamsen and Swailes, 2019). In simple words, it refers as project
schedule which involve lists of various tasks which required to be performed within given time
intervals. Main purpose of creating this kind of chart is to bring coordination and transparency in
different activities. This helps researcher to sustain authentic and reliable research result by
removing bottlenecks which generate waste outcomes.
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Chapter 2: Literature review
Concept of talent management
As per view point of Erik Van Vulpen, 2019, talent management encompasses of entire
scope of human resource processes with purpose of attracting, developing, motivating as well as
retaining high performing employees. Talent management comprises of various different set of
HR procedures which are interlinked together. This field of management covers separate areas of
human resource begins from recruitment of employee to its retention. It includes employee
onboarding, performance management and other activities to maintains effective and talented
workforce. Sole purpose of talent management is to improvise performance of employees
through motivating, inspiring and engaging them so that they can perform better. These activities
enhance their core competencies, skills as well as abilities which enables to fulfil their all
demands and prosper personal growth. Talent management is not a single time process but it is
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an on-going process of sourcing, hiring, developing, retaining as well as promoting best
employee along with completing requirements organisation in terms of attaining objectives and
goals. Talent management plays a significant role in such stiff and fierce competition. It enables
an organisation to sustain its competitive advantage and take it to higher level by maintaining
skilful and talented workforce (Holland, 2019). Moreover, primary purpose of this management
is to cultivate inclined workforce and keep them retain for longer period of time. Human capital
are an important assets for an organisation which differs it from other companies. Talent
management is essential for many reasons as it enables organisation to improve its overall
performance, helps company to be competitive for others, by enhancing abilities of employee it
creates innovation, foster team spirit, reduce labour turnover, enhance brand image of
organisation.
Determine various challenges associated with managing talent in Marriott Hotel
According to Tammy Erickson, 2020, there are various challenges face by HR manager
in order to maintain talented workforce in an organisation. Some of challenges are attracting as
well as retaining required amount of employees at different levels of organisation in order to
meet out various needs of growth expansion and survival. Now-a-days, organisations are facing
difficulty in order to attract or appeal to multiple generations like innovative youth. Meeting out
demands of higher compensation demanded by employees. Moreover, to cater various needs of
workforce. Marriot Hotel is biggest hotel chain in hospitality industry. Hotel HR management is
facing different number of challenges associated with talent acquisition such as providing
effective training and development programs to enhance skills of staff due to which organisation
is facing high attrition rates (Afshari and Hadian Nasab, 2020). Low retention rates provide
lesser choices for Hotel due to which they left with untrained employees which decrease its
productivity. Secondly, managing turnover and retention of talented workforce, it is bigger
challenge in front of hotel management as employee are attracting towards competitors hotel for
higher wages, promotions, benefits in such stiff rivalry. Another, is unethical business practices
and culture due which hotel is facing negative impact on its brand image, at workforce and its
future success. Hotel is facing problem of unsatisfied workforce due to low morale as well as
satisfaction which hamper its productivity and profitability.
Identify various ways or strategies that could be implemented by Marriott Hotel to deal
with issues related with talent management
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As per the view point of Avi Basu, 2020, in present scenario of intense competitive and
dynamic environment human resource capital is specific key to attain its success. Organisations
are inclined towards gaining knowledge of various issues, emerging trends in order to modify
their internal process including employees. This enables firm to produce and deliver right
product or services which enhance customer satisfaction as well as experience. Companies are
focusing on enhancing productivity of its workforce by enhancing their skills, knowledge,
experience. This improvise their potential and talent in order to create high value for them and
organisation. Marriott Hotel management can formulate various strategies in order to face
various challenges and resolve issues related to talent management. Organisation can modify its
recruitment policies as it can provide equal chance to every person whether female or male. It
foster innovative ideas and bring fresh talent in organisation (Webb, 2019). Hotel management
can applied various performance appraisals techniques in order to encourage them for their
performance. Performance appraisals are those activities through which company cans sustain
and retain their potential workforce. In order to retain its employees, hotel management require
to modify its compensation strategy and provide fair wages to its workforce according to their
job role so that they do not switch to other competitors hotel. In addition to wages, hotel can
provide rewards and incentives to keep them motivated and inclined towards organisational
tasks. Hotel must emphasise on providing time to time learning and development according to
needs of market trends. This keeps workforce heightened and confident to perform difficult
tasks. All these strategies enables hotel to sustain its competitive edge and social brand image.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
A research methodology facilities a set of specific procedure and techniques with tools which are
used by researcher or mangers to evaluate and analyses about the information which is related to
the particular topic. Research methodology is also derives about how the data is collected and
interpret for reaching towards the outcomes in aspect of research’s conclusion.
Research Philosophy
It generates a brief about the sources in which the data is determined about a topic or
phenomenon collected with analyzation by the researcher (Pant and Venkateswaran, 2019).
There are two main research philosophy which consists to help the outcomes of research:
Positivism: this type of research philosophy is utilize by a researcher who is more
focuses towards the prediction and observing data research results, this method is also known as
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scientific method which mapped and provide the highly form of design which is not influenced
towards the behavior and values of the researcher.
Interpretivism:This philosophy is implement by those researcher who are concerned
with the gathering of detailed subjective data for providing the better significance for the
research objectives.
By this research the implementation of research philosophy is Positivism is the reason
where it leads to investigate as main focus to getting real positive outcomes on important aspects.
Research Approach
It formally represent the proper strategic plan which is utilize for research as well as
includes the various steps and board assumption for effective method of collection about data,
analyzation and interpretation. There are two research approaches which are below:
Deductive: This approach involves selecting the optimum theory from the given
hypothesis by which data is collecting and its evaluation is pursue on the basis of these
hypothesis and after the main concerned of this approach of analyzation in new theory (Pessima
and Dietz, 2019).
Inductive: This data is applying the research which is focuses in new upcoming theory
that emerge with the data, where it generates the logical procedure of various assumption about
data of the research material and helps to found the right conclusion about the particular research
(Swailes, 2019).
For this research there is use of Deductive approach where it help to lead the detailed
form of data obtain which reflects the generalization in the context of hypothesis.
Research Method
Research method provides the systematic planning for implementation and accomplish
the objectives for a particular research. There are two kind of research method which are
described below:
Qualitative Research: Through this method is implementation by researcher of detailed
and theoretical knowledge about the inner behavior and attitude of the respondent is gathered for
the motive towards the research outcomes.
Quantitative Research: By this research method it is used for evaluate and identifying
the numeric or arithmetic data material which is related to research where it represent the
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highlights important point which can brief perspective of respondent but it is not as much
importance to given depth knowledge (Chand and Markova, 2019).
From above research method the best optimum for this research is Quantitative research method
where it provides the better numeric facts and figures data about the research which ease to
evaluate and analyze the outcomes.
Sources of data collection
It basically provides the central point of data about research from where it actually
collected, there is two main elements of source of data collection are as follows:
Primary Source: This shows that the data is collected from the investigation through
own or self-assessment about the research data which shows the authenticity as well as obtain the
information from different sources like surveys, interview and feedbacks etc (Gallardo-Gallardo
and Thunnissen, 2019).
Secondary Source: This source of data collection represents accessibility of data which
already existence by other researcher its only implement by other information to attain the
outcomes. Secondary source is one of the most easy and flexible like newspaper,previous
documents, literatures or books etc.
In this research the implementation of source of data is both primary and secondary
formulated by the researcher, by collection of primary data to arrange the set of questionnaire
which support behavior a of respond help to mapped and for secondary data is to collected from
the previous documents and other media sources.
Sampling Method:
Sampling method is derived that it is used by researcher to implement and determine the
suitable approach for number of unit and observation in the aspect of motive of the respective
research’s data (Khodeir and Nabawy, 2019). For this the optimum of sampling method which is
utilize is Simple Random method in which 25 respondent from employees of Marriott hotel are
randomly selected for attaining this research outcomes
Data collection Tools
There is a tool which is implemented in to this research by the questionnaires
terminology which is well frame as per the requirement of objective in aspect of research.
Questionnaire
Q1) Are you giving any implication about the concept of talent management?
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a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Do you agree with the statement that talent management is essential for an
organization to improve its productivity and success level in today’s competitive
world?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q3) What are the possible challenges associated with managing talent in Marriott
hotel?
a) High employee turnover
b) Lack of proper guidance and leadership
c) Higher compensation demands
Q4) What positive implication would be lead by talent management for betterment of
Marriot hotel ?
a) Enhanced creativity
b) More skilled and competent workforce
c) Cost efficiency in operation
Q5) What are the various ways or strategies that could be implement by Marriott hotel
to deal with the issues related with talent management?
a) Modify recruitment policies
b) Time to time learning and development
c) Better perks and performance appraisal
Q6) Any further recommendations for Marriott hotel to cope up with challenge faced
during talent management?
Cost, access and ethical consideration
Research ethical consideration comprises of different number of moral principles that are
required to be consider by researcher or investigator. It majorly include doing right activity at
right period of time. These are various set of rules as well as guidelines that guide an investigator
to start research in such manner so that it do not hurt respondents sentiments. It helps researcher
to monitors research activities and make sure it attain high ethical standard. Research includes
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human subjects and observant which creates unique and complex issues associated with ethical,
legal, social, political. Research ethics helps researcher to analyse these issues and take
corrective actions.
Chapter 4: Interpretation and analysis
Theme 1: Concept of talent management
Q1) Are you giving any implication about the concept of talent
management?
Frequency
a) Yes 22
b) No 3
Interpretation
With respect to above diagram it has been analysed that 22 respondents are having
implication about the concept of talent management where as 3 participants are not having any
perception about concept of talent management.
Theme 2: Talent management is essential for an organization to improve its productivity
and success level in today’s competitive world
Q2) Do you agree with the statement that talent management is
essential for an organization to improve its productivity and success
level in today’s competitive world?
Frequency
a) Agree 21
b) Disagree 4
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Interpretation
21 respondents selected from employees of Marriott hotel are agreed with the statement
that talent management is essential for an organization to improve its productivity and success
level in today’s competitive world while 4 are disagreed with above theme.
Theme 3: Possible challenges associated with managing talent in Marriott hotel
Q3) What are the possible challenges associated with managing
talent in Marriott hotel?
Frequency
a) High employee turnover 10
b) Lack of proper guidance and leadership 9
c) Higher compensation demands 6
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Interpretation
10 respondents are having a view point that high employee turnover is a possible
challenge associated with managing talent in Marriott hotel while 9 participants are in favour of
lack of proper guidance and leadership. Further, 6 communicator believes that Higher
compensation demands is the biggest challenge associated with talent management.
Theme 4: Positive implication lead by talent management for betterment of Marriot hotel
Q4) What positive implication would be lead by talent management
for betterment of Marriot hotel ?
Frequency
a) Enhanced creativity 8
b) More skilled and competent workforce 9
c) Cost efficiency in operation 8
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Interpretation
Out the of the various positive implications lead by talent management 8 participants has
supported enhanced creativity, 9 respondents are in favour of more skilled and competent
workforces where as 8 are also there who are in favour of cost efficiency in operation as positive
impact of talent management.
Theme 5: Strategies that could be implement by Marriott hotel to deal with the issues
related with talent management
Q5) What are the various ways or strategies that could be implement
by Marriott hotel to deal with the issues related with talent
management?
Frequency
a) Modify recruitment policies 10
b) Time to time learning and development 7
c) Better perks and performance appraisal 8
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Interpretation
In accordance with above pie chart it has been analysed that 10 participants are in favour
of modification in recruitment polices to deal with the issues related with talent management
while 7 individuals has supported time to time learning and development. Beside this, 8
respondents are also having a thinking a better perks and performance appraisal is an effective
strategy that could be implement by Marriott hotel to deal with the issues related with talent
management.
Chapter 5: Research outcome and communication
Research outcomes
On the basis of above investigation it has been find out that Talent management is essential
for an organization to improve its productivity and success level in today’s competitive world as
it ensures enhanced creativity and more skilled and competent workforce that also facilitates cost
efficiency on operation to achieve the target of higher profit margin. Further, it has been
observed that many possible challenges and issues are also associated with managing talent that
includes high employee turnover, lack of proper guidance and leadership together with high
demands for compensation. The outcomes and result of this research includes evaluation of
strategies that can be adopted by an organisation to have better talent management that consists
of modified recruitment policies, time to time learning and better perks and incentives.
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Stakeholders and communication
It is necessary to properly communicate all the relevant and required research findings and
outcomes with stakeholders to facilitate better understanding and decision making. The main
stakeholders who are interested in current research work include managers, director, customers,
supplier, employees and other associated parties. Thus, use of online mode of communication is
made for effective communication through making use of e-mails and other social media
platforms.
Recommendations
With respect to above investigation modification in recruitment policies is recommended to
Marriott Hotel as it facilitates selection of more talented and skilled candidate as an employee.
Further, to cope up with the issues of lack of guidance and leadership, timely learning and
training is recommended for Marriott hotel as it ensures better direction and guidance for
employees together with enhancing their skills and competencies. Beside this, better perks and
appraisal are also a suitable strategy to motivate and manage talent in an organization through
providing extra monetary benefits for employees.
Chapter 6: Reflection and conclusion
Reflection on effectiveness of current research method
The current research project is a very informative and vital project for me that lead to my
overall development and enhancement of knowledge. Use of positivism research philosophy
together with deductive approach was made for better generalisation of quantitative research
method. Use of questionnaire as research tool has facilitated ease for me while conducting
research together with ensuring timely completion of work. Further, many issues like ethical
implications and time management were also faced by me that was solved through getting
consent from participants and preparing Gantt chart for timely achievement of desired objectives
and outcomes.
Alternative research method
The alternative method that could be used includes interview as research method that lead
to collection of more in-depth data and also facilitates better communication with respondents
but use of interview is quite complex and time consuming method.
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CONCLUSION
On the above report it can be concluded that talent management is an important concept that
has facilitates better productivity and competitive strength through enhancing creativity and
skills of employees. Further, it has been observed that many issues like high employee’s turnover
and lack of guidance are also faced as challenge while management of talent. At last, it can be
summarised that modification in recruitment process tighter with timely training are effective
way to cope up with challenge of talent management.
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REFERENCES
Books and journal
Neri, S. and Wilkins, S., 2019. Talent management in transnational higher education: strategies
for managing academic staff at international branch campuses. Journal of Higher
Education Policy and Management. 41(1). pp.52-69.
Kerr, W.R and et. al., 2019. Managing Talent Pipelines in the Future of Work.
Adamsen, B. and Swailes, S., 2019. Managing Talent. Springer.
Holland, P., 2019. Managing Talent: A Contemporary Issue or a Case of Old Wine in New
Bottles?. Contemporary HRM Issues in the 21st Century, Emerald Publishing Limited,
pp.15-28.
Afshari, L. and Hadian Nasab, A., 2020. Enhancing organizational learning capability through
managing talent: mediation effect of intellectual capital. Human Resource Development
International, pp.1-17.
Webb, P. G., 2019. Managing Today’s Workforce to Meet Tomorrow’s Challenges. Frontiers of
health services management. 35(4). pp.3-10.
Pant, J. J. and Venkateswaran, V., 2019. Exploring millennial psychological contract
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Pessima, J. D. and Dietz, B., 2019. Global Talent Management. The Wiley Handbook of Global
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Chand, M. and Markova, G., 2019. The European Union's aging population: Challenges for
human resource management. Thunderbird International Business Review. 61(3). pp.519-
529.
Gallardo-Gallardo, E. and Thunnissen, M., 2019. Talent Management: Disentangling Key Ideas.
The SAGE Handbook of Human Resource Management, p.164.
Khodeir, L. M. and Nabawy, M., 2019. Identifying Opportunities and Challenges of Human
Resources in Smart Development Projects in Egypt. The Academic Research Community
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Vecchi, A., 2019. Global work arrangements and talent management in the born-virtual
organization: The case of Automattic. In Research Handbook of International Talent
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Adebola, S., 2019. Why do organisations run talent programmes? Insights from UK
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Online:
Erik Van Vulpen, 2019.What is Talent Management? 5 Tips to Do it Right.[Online]Available
through< https://www.digitalhrtech.com/what-is-talent-management/>./
Tammy Erickson, 2020. Today’s Top 10 Talent-Management Challenges.
[Online]Available through<https://hbr.org/2008/06/todays-top-10-
talentmanagement >./
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Avi Basu, 2020. Top Five Strategies for Talent Management.[Online]Available
through<https://www.amanet.org/articles/top-five-strategies-for-talent-management/>./
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