An Analysis of Professional Development at Hilton Hotels: A Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of professional development within Hilton Hotels & Resorts. It examines the key benefits of ongoing professional development for various stakeholders, including building confidence, reducing employee turnover, boosting efficiency, and making succession planning easier. The report investigates employer expectations of skills and competencies, focusing on analytical, communication, and teamwork skills. It includes an assessment of the author's abilities for an HR manager role, comparing skills against Hilton's requirements and identifying strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, the report reviews learning theories and approaches, such as behaviorism, cognitive, social learning, and humanistic approaches, and their application in professional development processes. The report also constructs a development plan to enhance chosen skills and competencies within a specific work context and reviews a job interview process, highlighting key strengths and weaknesses. The report concludes with a discussion of the importance of professional development for individual and organizational success in the hospitality industry.

Professional Identity
and Practice

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1 ...........................................................................................................................................3
P1. Examine the key benefits of on-going professional development for different stakeholders
within a specific organization.....................................................................................................3
P2. Investigate professional employer expectations of skills and competencies within a
specific organizational context....................................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P3. Assess own abilities, skills and competencies for a specific job role...................................6
P4. Review a range of learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional
development processes................................................................................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P5. Construct a development plan to enhance chosen skills and competencies within a specific
work context................................................................................................................................8
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
P6. Undertake a job interview for a suitable service industry role.............................................9
P7. Review key strengths and weaknesses of an applied interview process.............................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Professional identity refers to what an individual perceived in the context of his profession.
It’s developed through one’s beliefs and attitudes, values and experiences which help a person
define themselves in the existing or future professional life or field (Barley and Kunda, 2016).
The company chosen for this report is Hilton Hotels & Resorts which has its headquarters in
Virginia, U.S. The assignment covers main benefits of on-going professional development for
various stakeholders, examination of expectations of skills and competencies. In addition to this,
assessment of own abilities for a particular job role, review of number of theories used in
personal and professional development processes and a development plan has also been
constructed. Furthermore, a job interviews for a suitable service industry role and keys strengths
and weaknesses of a specific interview process have been included. -
TASK 1
P1. Examine the key benefits of on-going professional development for different stakeholders
within a specific organization
Overview of the company
Hilton Hotel is a successful luxurious hotel which was established in 1925 by Conrad
Hilton. It is a combination of commitment, leadership and innovation by which it gained the
position and competitiveness in the world. It operates in Hospitality industry and has its presence
in 14 different countries including UK. The services provided by the hotel is considered the best
which is liked by many customers around the world.
Key benefits of on-going professional development for types of stakeholders
Professional development refers to training, formal or professional learning of employees
to make them perform better in their job roles and position (Bruss and Kopala, 2013). This
enhance their skills which further increases their productivity. On-going professional
development works on a continuous basis within the organization. Hence, it has many benefits
for different stakeholders which are as follows:
1. Build and enhance confidence and trustworthiness: Professional development helps
bringing the best out of the employees by making them more confident about their
work. The staff of Hilton can work in a better way which will increase the satisfaction

level of customers, hence, this will increase the chances of using the services again and
again.
2. Low employee turnover: If an organization provide the required training to its
workforce which help growing them professionally. Hilton has its branches in many
countries which gives employment to number of candidates, this is also beneficial for
the government of the concerned country as many jobs are added to the economy.
3. Boost efficiency: Professional development helps in learning new things in the training
by which innovation can be applied in the work. By this, Hilton can earn more profit
which can be distributed to the shareholders and other investors in the form return
helping more investors to invent in the stake (Chamberlayne, P. and Bornat, J. eds.,
2014).
4. Make succession planning easier: The organization promoting their employees
internally makes the employees believe that they can have long-term career within the
organization. Hilton can appoint its junior employees for vacant senior positions. This
will cut down the cost of appointment and training as they are already familiar with
company’s policies. The cost can be used in something more useful benefitting
suppliers.
5. Reenergize staff: This help in keeping the employees energetic towards their work.
New approaches are built by the employees which brings out the best in them through
new techniques. There is always the element of creativity. Hilton can conduct events
for boosting the creativity by which unique ideas can be applied in organizational
practice.
P2. Investigate professional employer expectations of skills and competencies within a specific
organizational context
An organization always look for employees who are well versed with knowledge and have
required skills and competencies. Competition in the market has increased which raised the
expectations of entities from their employees. Hilton is an example about business activities in a
hospitality industry can be carried so as to make it successful, this became possible due to skills
and competencies possessed by workforce. Hilton prefer candidates who are skilled and have
competencies which are as per the expectations of the management so that right individual can
be chosen for the right job so that good services can be provided to customers. This will help

Hilton in increasing its position in the market for long term sustainability. Some of the particular
skills which Hilton might need in its workforce are as follows:
 Analytical skills: This skill is about having sufficient knowledge and all the concept
clear by which desired results can be achieved. This skill is applied to resolve
number of difficult problems which might affect business in a significant way. With
the increase competition and rapid business changing environment can make hotels
like Hilton and other units operating in hospitality industry employ individual with
this skill. It will enhance the quality of services provided by Hilton which will retain
the customers (Crocket, 2014).
 Communication skill: It is a one of the most needed skills as through proper
communication, the business activities can be conducted smoothly without any
hindrance. Hilton find this skill as a key to its success whereby all the queries of
customers are resolved through effective communication. Furthermore, Hilton can
focus on having direct and appropriate channels of communication which can assist
the Hilton in making the experience of its customers memorable.
 Teamwork skill: Hilton has presence in many parts of the world which because of
which it has huge workforce. When there are more people involved in a particular
task, there will be more disputes or conflicts. This hinders the working and growth
Hilton, therefore, Hilton should choose person who are good at working within team
and co-operate with each other for obtaining desired results.
Hilton is one of the best hotels in the world engaged in providing luxurious services to
huge number of customers across the world. The manpower employed by it need to have
competencies and capabilities which is required by Hilton. Therefore, timely training and growth
programs by it can make the staff learn new things, concepts, approaches etc. which can be
applied for increasing the profit and making experiences of customers better. Therefore, on-
going professional development is important to boost efficiency so that advantages can be
obtained. This will improve its financial and market position in domestic as well as international
market.

TASK 2
P3. Assess own abilities, skills and competencies for a specific job role
Organization have different job roles so that each personnel so appointed can carry their
work efficiently. For this question, a specific job role of HR manager has vacancy in Hilton. A
manager who has to look after its employees should have abilities and skills which by which
proper and effective policies can be made by considering demands and needs of variety of
employees. For this job position, I am the suitable person as I have all the qualities which Hilton
is looking for in a HR manager. I have variety of strengths in such as good communication skill
which is one of the prime skills and abilities that should be there in a manager (Elman, Illfelder-
Kaye and Robiner, 2015). However, there are some points which are my weaknesses and need
improvement. In order to survive in the organization and get promotion as well as growth
opportunities, a person should understand that weaknesses can be converted into strengths. Also,
every skill and knowledge should be updated according to changes taking place in business
scenario as entities look for fresh talents with fresh and innovative ideas. Hilton has a higher
standard criteria which depicts its expectations from its employees, hence, I has examined my
skills, abilities and competencies against the expectations and found out that there is a
considerable gap between these two. This gap can be bridged through leaning new things and
adding more knowledge to existing. However, it should be noted that, all the decision must be
done before going for the interview so that Hilton find no reason for rejection. There is a high
competition within the organization as existing employees have required skills, abilities and
capabilities by which they perform their work for creating favourable results.
Therefore, for the purpose of assessing my own skills, abilities and capabilities, I have
conducted an personal skills audit for ascertaining skills that require to be make more good and
effective so as to fit the criteria of Hilton. The assessment is as follows:
S No. Capable in Score Desired
ratings to fulfil
requirements
of Hilton
Strength (Positive) &
weaknesses (Negative)
1 Communication 6 7 -1(weakness)
2 Time management 7 8 1 (strength)

3 Interpersonal skills 5 8 3 (strength)
4 Presentation 4 9 5 (strength)
5 Problem Solving 8 6 -2 (weakness)
P4. Review a range of learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional
development processes
Learning theories and approaches are used in an entity for providing a guidelines by
increasing the level of knowledge. There are number of these and even more than one can be
used for professional development. Both the theories and approaches can be used by Hilton for
obtaining desired results. Theories and approaches along with their individual review have been
provided below:
Behaviourism theory: This theory was founded by B.F. Skinner who focused on the fact
that an employee must know how to behave in a proper way within an which is not against the
organization's code of conduct (Kram, Wasserman and Yip, 2012). This can be done by
obtaining feedback from workforce comprising both positive and negative. If the feedback
obtained by Hilton from its employees reflect positive replies then it can continue with its
existing policies and plans. However, negative answers should be looked into to check which
area should be corrected. This will mitigate repetition of mistakes which in turn help Hilton in
achieving its objectives within the time frame so prescribed.
Cognitive Approach: This approach is based on the application of mind to various
situations. This involves all the employees with a view to exchange their ideas and creativity. In
this way, new things can be learnt and developed which open wide opportunities. By using this
approach, Hilton can understand the demands and expectations of employees through the
application of mind of its employees. This will give sufficient chances by which Hilton can
explore new things going on in business environment and market so that strategies and plans can
be adjusted. This will help in gaining more profit.
Social learning theory: The fundamental element of this theory is based on teaching
new things or leaning based on the results obtained by obtaining others. Every personality has
some values, attitude, beliefs etc. which can studies to learn something unique and fresh. Hilton
should encourage its employees to observe the behaviour of not only the customers but also of
co-workers, this will help in addressing their problems, if any, in a better and quick way. By

applying this theory, Hilton can distinguish between employees with good behaviour and the one
with bad attitude and behaviour. Hilton can create services according to demands of its
customers.
Humanistic approach: This is one of the most used theory as its gives an opportunity to
employees to assess themselves so as to determine their behaviour and attitude. This saves
precious time of organization in examining the employees. Hilton can use this theory for the
purpose of taking the best out of the workforce by making them transform their weaknesses into
strengths. Also, staff can make their own plans, policies and direction which can be applied for
completing their individual tasks. This will help Hilton to focus on more important fields.
TASK 3
P5. Construct a development plan to enhance chosen skills and competencies within a specific
work context
A development plan helps in analysing own abilities ad skills in order to understanding
which areas require improvisation. It is made up various strategies, processes, aims which are
taken into account in evaluating ways through which goals can be attained. The end result will
help in bringing the best of my knowledge and capabilities (Mellin, Hunt and Nichols, , 2011).
This will increase the efficiency which for carrying out the work of Hilton. This will produce
positive results in the form of more profit and sales. The plan has been given below:
Skills Required Activities Resources Time Changes
Time
management
skill
I need to allot
accurate time
according to the
specific tasks or
activity. All the
goals must be
achieved within the
time so allotted by
Hilton.
This will require
accuracy in
timings and lots
of practice should
be included. I can
assign various
tasks ranging
from easy to
difficult along
with time so that
past results can be
According to my
capabilities, I
would need
minimum 2
months for
enhancing the
skill of time
management.
The employees
who work in the
same segment
will help me out
in stating about
my performance.

measured against
the new
outcomes.
Communicatio
n skill
This skill is all about
conversing with
others in an effective
way. Furthermore, I
can up for session
for boosting
confidence for
saying the things in a
n impressive way.
Communication
with others will
help me a lot,
followed by
reading news
articles and books
so as to convey
the facts.
3 months time
will be needed for
improving this
skill.
My nature which
is very reserved
should be
changed by
building
confidence and
fluency.
Problem
solving skill
Problems are solve
through the
application of
interpersonal skill
along with
conceptual. Hence,
these will be worked
upon to create
desired results.
This can be
enhanced through
practising,
training,
reasoning and so
on which will
include number of
problems.
A time period of
approx. 4 months
will be required
to make it better.
This will need
that I should
analyse different
circumstances
and make
judgement which
is right and
appropriate to
solve the
problems.
TASK 4
P6. Undertake a job interview for a suitable service industry role
The word interview is a combination of two words viz. “inter” and “view” which in
literal sense mean seeing each other or between view. It can be defined as method which
involves conversation between two or more people whereby questions are asked to a person to
get the required answers. In the context of Hilton, an interview has been conducted for the vacant
position of HR manager. The result of the interview can be either positive or negative. So if
Hilton select me for the post, there will be sufficient opportunities to be explored in

professionally and get promoted by which I can fulfil my dreams and reach a higher level. The
qualification possessed by me is enough to make me eligible to apply for interview but it has
operation in international market which might create some hurdles in choosing me for this job.
The weak points can be made good by getting required training and help from the senior
management. I can say for sure, that my knowledge related to academic subjects are good and
strong with clarity by applying which I can help Hilton get desired objectives in both long and
short term.
The possible interview questions that the interviewer might ask in the interview are as
follows:
Interview Questions
Q1. What is your name?
Q2. Tell me about yourself apart from the CV?
Q3. What do you know about this company?
Q4. Why did you leave the previous job?
Q5. Why do you want join this company?
Q6. What are your interests?
Q7. What are your future goals after 3 years?
Q8. Tell me about your life experiences.
Q9. What are your salary expectations?
Q10. What would your focus in our company if you get selected?
P7. Review key strengths and weaknesses of an applied interview process
Interview are the most important activities which help in appointing the right person for
the right job. However, there are certain strengths and weaknesses which are as follows:
Strengths: The interview made me clear about one thing that I have good
communication skill bundled with confidence. I gave answers of all the questions very carefully
and promptly which according to me, made the interviewer impressed. I was given some critical
questions which required application of critical thinking. This was not the first interview which I
have went for. Hence, this helped me go through difficult situations (Miller, 2018).
Weakness: The interview helped me find out my weak points which I will improve with
the time. My thinking skill is not that well which made me nervous. Also, I stopped in between

the answers due to hard questions which is a major negative point. Also, I am worried about
developing new techniques and approaches which can be applied in changing business scenario.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above report that to be effective skill under an
organisation employee must have knowledge about the job role. It is also important for employee
to understand the requirement of employers this will help to build important skills like
communication and problem solving. From the above report, it has been observed that skills such
as effective communication and professional competencies of interaction can help in building an
appealing personal and professional identity. It is also summarised that developing these kinds of
skills will help employer as well as employee. This report has concluded the competencies which
can help an individual to build an effective professional career.

REFERENCES
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Chamberlayne, P. and Bornat, J. eds., 2014. Biographical methods and professional practice: An
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