Abstract
Purpose – This paper explores the opportunities and challenges faced by hospitality employers in accommodating a culturally diverse workforce in Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach - This exploratory paper draws on information received from hospitality employers in Northern Ireland through a serious of in-depth interviews. In particular, the research centres on the question ‘what opportunities and challenges does a culturally diverse workforce create for hoteliers in Northern Ireland? Findings - This research highlights the potential of International workers as an invaluable new source of labour for the hospitality industry, provided that they are properly looked after and managed. Research limitations/implications – Future research could analyse the role of multicultural management in assuring business benefits associated with cultural diversity. Practical Implications – The research suggests the importance of a positive proactive management system and solutions for training that could be incorporated into the workplace that celebrates its employee’s cultures, that values and explores differences and that actively seeks to learn from other cultures, demonstrates tolerance, respects differences, identifies similarities and strives for inclusiveness. Training solutions are provided. Originality/value – This exploratory study is of value to hospitality practitioners, providing recommendations on how to remove barriers to the successful integration of international staff into the workplace and society whilst benefiting all staff, their organisations and the Irish tourism product.Keywords: Cultural diversity, Hospitality management, Opportunities and Challenges, International workers, Northern Ireland.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 120-132 |
| Journal | International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 2007 |
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Keywords
- Cultural diversity
- Hospitality management
- Opportunities and Challenges
- International workers
- Northern Ireland.