A Post Hoc Analysis of Learning Orientation–Innovation–Performance in the Hospitality Industry

Abstract

This paper focuses on issues related to learning orientation (commitment to learning, shared vision, open-mindedness), its effect on innovation, and how innovation can lead to performance in the hospitality industry, particularly hotels. Purposive sampling was used to gather data. Data was gathered from employees of different hotel departments located in Unguja, Zanzibar. The structural equation modelling analysis was based on 228 responses. Three hypotheses formed from the learning orientation construct had a positive effect on innovation while innovation had a strong influence on business performance. Specifically, Hypothesis One (h1): commitment to learning positively (+) affects innovation (β = 0.30; p < 0.01); Hypothesis Two (h2): shared vision had a positive (+) effect on innovation (β = 0.28; p < 0.01); Hypothesis Three (h3): open-mindedness had a positive (+) effect on innovation (β = 0.12; p < 0.05). Finally, Hypothesis Four (h4): innovativeness had a positive (+) and strong influence on performance (β = 0.55; p < 0.001). To obtain more details on the findings presented based on the overall model, a post hoc analysis was conducted. In that analysis, two subgroups were entered in the overall model. The findings indicated that each subgroup had a different effect as it was entered in the overall model. The subgroups included age and experiences. These are grouped as follows: age (below 35 years and above 35 years), and experience (below 10 years and above 10 years). Post hoc findings were interesting and address logical contributions to the design of this study. The findings are considered to be valuable for managers in understanding the implications of encouraging learning as a solid foundation for forming new ideas that can be commercialized. Furthermore, managers should understand the implication of choosing learning orientation over other variables in order to engineer innovation and performance at the end.

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): The Engine of Economic Growth through Investments and Innovation

“…In a globalized era-a society based on knowledge, respectively-the SMEs reveal exclusive competitive returns on the strength of flexibility and quick adaptation to the new requirements of production and global market, exposure to new industrial know-hows [55,56], the ability to identify and to apply the value of novel external information [57], the power to speedily adopt the modern techniques and technologies for new business models [58], the rapid decision and the lack of bureaucracy in the process of implementing new products and innovative processes [59]. As such, a crucial role in shaping a competitive benefit is revealed by innovation [29].…”

Learning strategic orientation and sustained competitive advantage in four- and five-star hotels in Kenya

“…Similarly, Wolff, Pett and Ring (2015) found no relationship between learning orientation and firm growth. A number of studies have found a negative association between learning orientation and organizational output (Martinez et al, 2020;Mlozi, 2017;Chenuos & Maru, 2015).…”