Managers', Employees', and Students' Perceptions of Ethnic Minority Career Advancement in the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is a demanding career field. Researchers define the hospitality industry as including accommodations, such as hotels, and entertainment, such as restaurants and clubs. The problem addressed in this study is that ethnic minorities, specifically African Americans and Hispanic Americans, are underrepresented in managerial and executive positions within the hospitality industry. Ethnic minorities primarily fill manual labor positions in the hospitality industry. When ethnic minorities do serve in management or leadership positions, it is frequently in failing organizations. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate managers', employees', and students' perceptions of promotion opportunities, career advancement, and barriers to promotion in the hospitality industry for ethnic minorities. I interviewed a combined total of 16 managers, employees, and students of varying races and ethnicities about their perceptions of career advancement for ethnic minorities in the hospitality industry. Participates were employed or attended college within 20-miles of Washington, D.C. The study's themes reflect the perceived challenges that ethnic minorities experience in the hospitality industry and ways to overcome those challenges. The findings reflect the existent literature suggesting that ethnic minority diversity is important for the hospitality industry and that ethnic minorities experience career advancement barriers in the industry. The body of knowledge created by this study has a potential use for research and practical application. Findings in this study reveal the importance for future researchers to focus on the underrepresentation of ethnic minorities as managers and executives in the hotel industry. In light of the lack of a site permission to interview participants on hotel property, future studies should focus on using a larger sample size and on conducting interviews at least on the property of one hotel. Furthermore, researchers should consider interviewing participants who work in other sectors of the hospitality industry, besides the hotel sector.