Research Proposal: Challenges Faced by Women in Hospitality Management

This research proposal investigates the challenges encountered by women in management positions within the hospitality industry, with a specific focus on a case study of Marriott. The introduction highlights the significance of the hospitality sector and the increasing presence of women, while also acknowledging the obstacles they face, such as long working hours, work-life balance issues, and gender inequality. The research objectives aim to determine the factors affecting women's management positions, explore the impact of these challenges, analyze remedial strategies, and identify rights that promote women in organizations. The literature review, organized thematically, examines factors influencing women's management positions, the impact of challenges, remedial strategies, and rights that promote women. The proposal also includes research questions, references, and a discussion of limitations, providing a comprehensive framework for studying the experiences of women in hospitality management and potential solutions to create a more equitable and supportive environment. The study aims to provide insights into the specific challenges women face and suggest strategies for overcoming these obstacles, contributing to a better understanding of gender dynamics within the hospitality industry.

Research Proposal

Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................1
2.0 Research objectives and research questions..............................................................................3
3.0 Literature Review.......................................................................................................................4
4.0 Research Methodology..............................................................................................................7
5.0 Access to Data and Research Ethics..........................................................................................9
6.0 Limitation...................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

Topic: “Investigate the challenges of women in management position in the hospitality industry”
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In United Kingdom, Hospitality industry occupies one of the largest part and also
contribute high amount for the growth of economy. In the same way, as per the statistical data, it
is observed that as compared to past years, women also share good percentage in the hospitality
industry such that they mostly preferred in Housekeeping related area, chef and as a receptionist
as well. But on the other side, women also faces many challenges in their management position
which also creates negative impact upon overall hospitality industry. I(t is also found that women
do confront different number of challenges such that long working hours, work life balance to
rising to senior management position (Mzembe and et.al., 2019). Thus, in the same way, the
current study will presents a review of the literature on the current status of women in the
hospitality industry. Thus, sometimes the women working in the hospitality sector may faces
issues related to the employees because they all belongs to different cultures and this may also
creates awkward situation as well. The major issue which is being faced by the women in
hospitality industry is majority of men working under them. The women in management role are
very common to see now a days as women are better in managing the things and they perform all
the tasks more effectively. The main issue is that the men working under women management
are having an ego and attitude which is to be faced by women as a manager.
In the research proposal, research will describe some major challenges such as lack of
fairness in the pay and fairness in promotion. From the preliminary research, it is realized that in
hospitality industry, 89% of the worker said that they had experience one or more incidents of
the sexual harassment in their working life specially women. Thus, it is quite demanding for the
job place that is hotel wherein one has to interact with the guest and as if the women working in
any operational department of Hospitality industry such as front office and housekeeping which
is a male dominated area always faces different issues. Thus, there are different areas in which
women faces so many challenges (Masadeh and et.al., 2019). However, the special
characteristics and the unique culture of hospitality industry has also made it more challenging
for the possibility in order to bring a change. For the same, government of UK also introduce
different policies that promotes the women working in the hospitality industry. Therefore,
Marriott should develop Human Right due diligence that helps women to work in positive
environment. Apart from this, the government also makes sure that every company must provide
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equal pay and opportunity to men and women so that it will help to overcome challenges faces
by the women in management position of the hotel (Murray and et.al., 2017).
From the above, it has been analysed that Hospitality Industry offer jobs to women and
though there are many challenges faced by them as well. Such that omen get less attracted for the
top management position because women seem to posses less motivation as compared to men in
order to pursuing the top management in the company. That is why women mostly working in
housekeeping and waiting staff only.
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Illustration 1: Share of employees in hospitality industry in UK
(Source: Employees in Hospitality industry, 2018)

In addition to this, the researcher also describe different issues faced by the
women that is gender inequality in which Daskin, (2019) observed that inequality of income in
the hospitality industry is consider one of the biggest challenge and even the author also state
that there exist a hidden form of gender discrimination in the hospitality industry. In UK,
women mostly represented equally in the management position but still there exist some
disparity in their pay level. Different studies also shows the gender gap in the income level and
even the women are not rewarded equally. Apart from this, Paraskevas, Brookes and Altinay,
(2019) states that in hospitality industry, it is also observed that women get less attracted for the
top management position because women seem to posses less motivation as compared to men in
order to pursuing the top management in the company. Therefore, to minimize the challenges,
company should follow all the policy made by government, so that women also work in good
organizational culture where the company pay equal wages. Thus, overall it creates negative
impact upon the working environment of the company of hospitality industry or the business
operations as well.
Rationale: Researcher choose the problem because women generally discriminated in
their working place and it is one of the most common problem. That is why, by studying on the
particular topic will help to determine different challenges faced by women and by adopting
different strategies also assist women to overcome the challenges (Melissen and et.al., 2016).
Through this topic, researcher also enhance knowledge about different strategy and policies that
should be adopted by the firm. Another reason of choosing the topic is such that may be
university assign the topic and that is why, it is quite essential to study on the particular topic.
Aim
- “To investigate the challenges of women faced in management position in the hospitality
industry- A case study on Marriott”
2.0 Research objectives and research questions
Objectives
 To determine the factors that affect the management position of women in hospitality
industry
 To explore the impact of challenges faced by women in overall hospitality industry.
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 To analyse the remedial strategies to overcome factors faced by women in hospitality
industry
 To identify the rights that help in promoting women working in an organization.
Questions
 What are the factors that affect the management position of women in hospitality
industry?
 What are the impact of challenges faced by women in overall hospitality industry?
 Suggest some remedial strategies to overcome factors faced by women in hospitality
industry.
 What are the rights that help in promoting women working in an organization?
3.0 Literature Review
In order to conduct the literature review in effective manner, thematic model is used that
helps to organize and discuss the existing literature which is based upon the themes as well as
theoretical concept in order to understand the topic in better way. Thus, this model will help to
conduct the literature review in effective manner.
Theme 1: factors that affect the management position of women in hospitality industry
According to Linehan (2019), there is a drastic change in the hospitality industry where
an increase in number of women have been seen in the industry and entered into workplace in
developed and developing countries. The major factor which has influenced women to work is
the increased rate of literacy in women. Most of the women are undertaking professional studies
which make them self dependent and stand on their feet by earning and working. This has
significantly increased number of women pursuing professional managerial course. There are
several aspects which has increased proportion of women in management in a recent period of
time. These factors includes women have increased their human capital with the help of
increased education. Societal norms also encouraged women's role to move into management.
Theme 2: impact of challenges faced by women in overall hospitality industry
As per Howe-Walsh and Turnbull (2016), equal opportunities with men along with the
organizational programs has supported women advancement and played a major role. There are
several issues also which are being faced by women in hospitality industry. According to Carli
and Eagly (2016), there are many different factors which affect the management position of
women in a hospitality industry. The major issue which is being faced by the women in
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hospitality industry is majority of men working under them. The women in management role are
very common to see now a days as women are better in managing the things and they perform all
the tasks more effectively. The main issue is that the men working under women management
are having an ego and attitude which is to be faced by women as a manager. This is a negative
aspect but most of the women in today's time are confident and knows how to deal with the
situation. This is a crucial moment for the female employees but it is necessary for them to
understand and resolves the issue in a significant manner so that the customer satisfaction is
being met.
Women working in hospitality industry are generally good looking as they are the one
who interacts with the customers in case of any issue and it is essential for the organization to
represent its subordinates in a systematic manner so that the brand name is being situated in the
market. Women are well represented in service and clerical services with managerial positions
but are poor in representing themself as a professional. Women are typically earning 10 to 15%
less than men managerial as they are a little less effective in ground workings as compared to
males.
Theme 3: remedial strategies to overcome factors faced by women in hospitality industry
The major challenge which is faced by women managers is a large amount of unpaid
work which is carried out by women in family tourism business which is the most major factor
being faced by women. There is a huge impact of challenges which are being faced by the
women in hospitality industry. As per Brescoll (2016), the major challenge is family issue which
is the biggest issue. Family members of females do not allow them to work in hospitality
industry as it is said that it is not good for them. Customers may humiliate the women managers
in case of any trouble which is the only fear in family members mind that their girl is to face
such issues which make them fear about the security of women.
According to Stainback, Kleiner and Skaggs (2016), Many a times, drunk customers
create issues in hospitality sector, in such a case male managers are effective to sought their
issues in comparison to women managers. Women are a low effective in a situation like this as
their security becomes the major issue in these kind of situations, so it is necessary for the
women to ensure that they have a proper workforce and significant working environment.
Despite of all the hurdles, many of the women have created a successful career in hospitality
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industry by working effectively and efficiently. They have made their name and wealth by their
hard work, competence and will power.
Theme 4: rights that help in promoting women working in an organization.
As per Black (2016), there is another major reason which influence the working of
women as managers is long and inflexible working hours in hospitality industry. Many of the
females are rejected for the managers positions because of inflexible working hours which play a
major effect in working of a hotel or tourism industry. According to Linehan (2019), most of the
females are denied for promotion due to their gender related attributes. Another issue faced by
managerial women is old boy networks, in which most of the hospitality women managers are
excluded from informal communication structures, those which shape critical organizational
practices such recruiting and succession planning.
According to Carli and Eagly (2016), the remedies to the challenges faced by women
managers have several aspects through which they can overcome the issues which are faced by
them. They can make their working environment safe by making comfortable environment with
the subordinates which can help the women in meeting the safety needs from its subordinates. It
is essential for women to work efficiently and prove themselves that they are more effective than
male workers and can achieve more objectives than men so that they are provided with good
opportunities and promotions at the workplace. They are able to represent them in a more
relevant manner than men which attracts more customers which is a positive aspect through
which they can ensure their job safety by working in a effective manner.
4.0 Research Methodology
There are several approaches and types of methods through which a research is being conducted
which is essential for a researcher to understand.
Research Type: There are usually two major aspects of research types which includes
qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research is a type of research which is used to
gain an understanding of underlying motivations, opinions and reasons. It is majorly based on
actual facts and figures but can be used to develop ideas or hypothesis for a potential qualitative
research. Quantitative research can be describes as a research which explains phenomena by
collecting numeric data that are evaluated using mathematically based methods, and it is majorly
based on creation of hypothesis. In this research, researcher will use qualitative method in order
to determine actual facts and figures based on naturalistic approach for analysing the factors that
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affect the management position of women in hospitality industry (Taherdoost, 2016).
Research Philosophy : There are majorly two research philosophy which are used by a
researcher in order to conduct a research. These philosophy includes interpretivism and
positivism. Positivism is a approach to study of society that relies specifically on scientific
evidence, like statistics and experiments for revealing a true nature of how society operates.
Interpretivism is a qualitative method which relies upon the research which is based on actual
facts and figures which are used to determine the natural facts and figures for a topic. In the
present research, researcher will use interpretivism philosophy in order to determine the
challenges faced by a women in management of hospitality industry (Patten and Newhart, 2017).
Research Design : There are basically two kind of research designs which consist of
descriptive and exploratory design which are used to carry out a research in a systematic manner.
Descriptive research is referred as a research method which describes the characteristics of the
population that is being studied. Present research will be conducted on descriptive design which
has three types that consist of observational method, survey method and case study method. It is
being used by the researcher because it is usually used with qualitative method and it will help
the researcher in analysing the in the remedial strategies to overcome factors faced by women in
hospitality industry.
Research Approach : It can be describes as a plan and procedure which consist of the
steps of broad assumptions to a detailed method of data collection (Antwi and Hamza, 2015).
There are majorly two types of approaches which includes inductive and deductive approach.
Deductive approach is being used by a researcher to conduct a research in which hypothesis is
being created, whereas inductive approach is being used by a researcher in order to carry out the
outcomes of a research from actual facts and figures which are collected primarily by the
researcher. In the present research, inductive approach will be used by the researcher in order to
evaluate the rights that help in promoting women working in an organization.
Data Collection : It is the most essential part of research in which the process of
gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system. It is
essential for a researcher to collect relevant data according to the research topic. There are two
types of data collection method, that includes primary and secondary method of data collection.
In the present research, researcher will use both the methods of data collection in order to
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evaluate significantly the impact of challenges faced by women in overall hospitality industry
(Denzin, 2017).
Sampling : It is a process used in statistical analysis in which a predetermined number of
observations are being taken by a researcher from a larger population. It is necessary for the
researcher to pick relevant samples so that data collected can be significant and evaluation of
data can be proper and outcomes expected from the research are being met by the researcher. In
the present research, researcher will use random sampling method which is technique where
every item in the population has an even chance and likelihood to select as a sample. This will
help the researcher in selecting the samples without any bias that will significantly help in
determining the remedial strategies to overcome factors faced by women in hospitality industry
(Basias and Pollalis, 2018).
Data Analysis : This is the most essential element in research as it play a major role in
making the decisions which are derived from the analysis of the data. Researcher need to analyse
data effectively for the purpose of making decisions significantly. Present research will use
thematic analysis method for analysing the data. Thematic method is one the most common
method of data analysis in which pinpointing, examining and recording patterns of meaning
within data takes place. This method is being used by the researcher in order to carry out relevant
outcomes of the research to evaluate the objectives of the research (Mohajan, 2018).
5.0 Access to Data and Research Ethics
To conduct the research in better way, researcher must consider some ethical
consideration such that research participants should not be subject to harm, even the researcher
should also take full consent prior to the study. Moreover, the researcher should also maintain
the adequate level of confidentiality of the research data that helps to attain the aim and
objectives. On the other side, the entire communication should be done with honesty and
transparency, while if there is any type of misleading information and finding in a biased way
must be avoided (Hair and et.al., 2015). Researcher should also comply with Data Protection
Act that helps to maintaining the data confidentiality and protection of the privacy of research
participants. Apart from this, Scholar should also collect the data from the latest books, articles
and journals as well so that, they may easily accomplish the aim and objectives.
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6.0 Limitation
Qualitative method of research is a significant way through which research is being
conducted by a researcher, but it have several limitations also which should be considered by the
researcher in order to conduct the research in a more significant manner. The most important
limitation which must be understand by the researcher is findings of qualitative research are
usually not generalised to the study population or community.
Another limitation which should be considered by the researcher is that qualitative
method is more difficult to analyse as compared to quantitative method as it don't fit neatly in
standard categories. The most difficult part in qualitative method is data collection which is far
difficult from quantitative method. It is necessary for the researcher to analyse the data which is
collected primarily that can also be inappropriate if it is not gathered in a significant manner.
This is usually a time consuming method as researcher has to go himself and collect the data
primarily from the samples which are been chosen by the researcher (Denzin, 2017).
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