The Roles of Mentors in the Career Success of Women in Hospitality

An Investigation focused on Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management Positions

1) Abstract of the study

Although more than 50% of the hospitality employees are women, there is a lack of women in top leadership positions (National Travel and Tourism Office, 2020). Many factors contribute to this inadequacy, such as women’s roles and role expectations at work and from family, a general lack of maternity, paternity and work and family support. In addition to limited formal supports, we suggest lack of informal social supports, such as mentorship, may be another important reason, building on preliminary findings of interviews with top executive women leaders. Women mentorship is particularly important for hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue management positions, for which a lot of women hospitality professionals are particularly passionate.

2) Protocol Title
The Roles of Mentors in the Career Success of Women in Hospitality—An Investigation focused on Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management Positions

3) Investigator
Dr. Laurie Wu, Associate Professor, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Temple University (PI), Dr. Emily Ma, Professor of the University of Surrey, UK

4) Objectives
The purpose of this project is to explore the types and roles of mentors in the career success of women in hospitality, particularly in the sectors of hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue management. There are six guiding questions.

• What types of mentors and mentorship relationships are commonly seen in hospitality industry, and whenis each type most effective?
• What are the differences between mentors, coaches, and advocates?
• When is each most helpful?
• What are the advantages (benefits)/d isadvantages of having internal vs. external mentors?
• How have mentors helped in building female hospitality employees’ performance, career development and overall wellbeing?
• How does the mentorship relationship motivate female employees to be mentors for others and to become better leaders?
• How do women build a mentorship/social support network?