Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: experiences of Ethnic Minorities in the Hospitality Industry
Shahi, Amir (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024052716583
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024052716583
Tiivistelmä
Due to globalization and the nature of the hospitality industry, employees from diverse backgrounds are common in the hospitality sector. The value of diversity and inclusion is more important for the hospitality industry than for other industries. Every stakeholder with this background should know the importance and value of diversity and inclusion and its management. The aim of the thesis was to understand the current status of ethnic minority workers in the hospitality industry. Specifically, it aimed to explore how ethnic minority workers perceive their ethnic status within their organization and how both the organization and their managers treat ethnic minority workers in the workplace.
The theoretical part of the thesis starts with a diversity and inclusion model primarily based on social identity theory. Social identity theory subsequently defines the perception of discrimination and prejudices. Furthermore, this theory includes an inclusion process model essential for creating an inclusive climate in the organization. As the main focus area of this thesis is the hospitality industry based in Finland, so, there is brief information about the Finnish hospitality industry. Overall, the theoretical part of this thesis covers diversity, inclusion, ethnic minorities, and discrimination, which are interrelated and justified by social identity theory, The research method mainly involves a survey with open-ended and closed-ended questions. For open-ended qualitative questions, thematic analysis was used, and for the survey's closed-ended questions, the Likert survey analysis method was used. The survey for both parts of the thesis was conducted with the housekeeping employees of one of the top Finnish hospitality organizations. Within a short time frame, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected.
The outcomes of the thesis will be beneficial for hospitality stakeholders, the Department of Human Resources, the supervisor, and students. Overall, the findings from both the qualitative and quantitative sections varied. In the quantitative section, participants gave high ratings for inclusion, but in the open-ended question section, responses changed. The thesis suggests that many issues of inclusion and equal opportunity need improvement. Furthermore, the study found bias and discrimination within ethnic minorities, and these minorities lack psychological safety, potentially due to their backgrounds or cultures.
The theoretical part of the thesis starts with a diversity and inclusion model primarily based on social identity theory. Social identity theory subsequently defines the perception of discrimination and prejudices. Furthermore, this theory includes an inclusion process model essential for creating an inclusive climate in the organization. As the main focus area of this thesis is the hospitality industry based in Finland, so, there is brief information about the Finnish hospitality industry. Overall, the theoretical part of this thesis covers diversity, inclusion, ethnic minorities, and discrimination, which are interrelated and justified by social identity theory, The research method mainly involves a survey with open-ended and closed-ended questions. For open-ended qualitative questions, thematic analysis was used, and for the survey's closed-ended questions, the Likert survey analysis method was used. The survey for both parts of the thesis was conducted with the housekeeping employees of one of the top Finnish hospitality organizations. Within a short time frame, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected.
The outcomes of the thesis will be beneficial for hospitality stakeholders, the Department of Human Resources, the supervisor, and students. Overall, the findings from both the qualitative and quantitative sections varied. In the quantitative section, participants gave high ratings for inclusion, but in the open-ended question section, responses changed. The thesis suggests that many issues of inclusion and equal opportunity need improvement. Furthermore, the study found bias and discrimination within ethnic minorities, and these minorities lack psychological safety, potentially due to their backgrounds or cultures.