Where are we now? A review of management development issues in the hospitality and tourism sector: Implications for talent management

This paper seeks to explore the range of research that has been published in the field of hospitality management development and discuss the implications of findings for the field of talent management.

The paper provides a literature review into factors influencing and components of management development. It encompasses literature that addresses management learning, management development and career progression as these are seen to impact on talent management. Secondary research into articles published under the broad heading of “management development in the hospitality industry” in management, hospitality and tourism journals from 2000‐2007 was conducted. After this initial trawl the author themed these into categories to aid presentation and discussion of findings.

There are four key areas which emerge from this review. First, there is research which focuses on factors which influence management development; second, there is a focus on hospitality management skills and competencies; third, there is work on hospitality careers; and finally, there is work on hospitality management development practices.

The paper highlights the relationship between characteristics and approaches traditionally associated with management development to those that can now be seen to fall within the rubric of talent management. The paper concludes with the presentation of a framework to articulate key characteristics and influences on management development and talent management in the hospitality industry.