Workplace Integration of Employees in the Hospitality Industry

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is twofold: first, to examine and explain the existing theory and practice of workplace integration in the organization, and second, to propose alternative mechanisms that could contribute to positive social changes in hospitality industry organizations. Critical research methodology is used to increase explanation in workplace integration research. Employers' and employees' perceptions and attitudes toward workplace integration are explored through interviews and focus group discussions in four hotels. Fourteen thematic categories (or demi-regularities) are identified as being able to affect the process of workplace integration and generate social impact in the hotel industry. The demi-regularities are explained through abductive reasoning and as a result, eleven workplace integration practices are formulated. Finally, ten practices, or ‘mechanisms,' to encourage workplace integration in hotel companies are approved through retroduction.