Investigating women’s work experience in hospitality with the job demands-resources theory

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the work experience of women in hospitality with the job demands-resources (JD-R) theory. By focusing on job resources, job demands (emotional and physical), work engagement, emotional exhaustion and turnover intention, this study examines (1) female workers’ perceptions of these variables; (2) how race, age and job positions affect perceptions and (3) structural relationships among these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected 412 responses from American female hospitality workers via an online survey. Descriptive statistics and independent T-tests were conducted using SPSS to analyze professional experiences and differences based on individual characteristics. Path analysis was conducted using Amos 28 to assess the structural relationships among variables.

Findings

Female hospitality workers generally feel engaged, experience low emotional exhaustion and have low turnover intention. Younger or front-line women reported higher emotional exhaustion, lower engagement and greater likelihood to quit. Unexpectedly, emotional resources do not significantly affect work engagement, but physical resources increase it.

Practical implications

The study provides directions to establish specific well-being and organizational support initiatives to retain female hospitality workers.

Originality/value

This study offers fresh insights into the JD-R theory by examining the experiences of American female hospitality employees using a non-comparative lens. Although existing literature highlights women’s unfavorable positions relative to male counterparts, this study reveals rather positive perspectives. Additionally, it presents a dual psychological process of how job resources and demands affect women’s work experience and the varying impacts of job demands on work engagement.

Citation

Zhong, Y.(S). (2024), "Investigating women’s work experience in hospitality with the job demands-resources theory", Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-05-2024-0408