Job satisfaction research in the field of hospitality and tourism

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conduct an overview of previous studies on job satisfaction, particularly its determinants and outcomes, and the research objectives, main themes and years of publication of previous studies. This study also seeks to analyze research trends on job satisfaction in the field of hospitality and tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The top hospitality and tourism journals were reviewed, and relevant papers were searched using the keyword “job satisfaction.” Content analysis was performed to identify the research objectives, main themes, influencing factors, outcomes and journals.

Findings

A total of 143 refereed journal papers were collected, of which 128 papers explored the influencing factors of job satisfaction, and 53 papers aimed to investigate outcomes. The predictors of job satisfaction were further classified into four groups, namely, organizational, individual, social and family and psychological factors.

Research limitations/implications

This study conducted a literature review on job satisfaction by using content analysis. A relatively comprehensive review of job satisfaction is provided. However, this preliminary study still has considerable room for improvement given the extensive studies on job satisfaction. Future studies may perform meta-analysis and attempt to find new values of job satisfaction.

Practical implications

Findings may shed light on practical management. From the individual perspective, education, interest and skills were found to be related to job satisfaction. Thus, managers should provide their employees with opportunities to train and update their skills. From the organizational perspective, organizational support and culture contributed positively to job satisfaction. This perspective highlighted the importance of effective management activities and policies. From the social and family perspective, family–work supportive policies must be implemented to enhance job satisfaction. From the psychological perspective, psychological issues were found to be closely related to job satisfaction. Thus, the employees’ stress should be reduced to ensure that they perform their jobs well.

Social implications

This study analyzed the determinants and outcomes of job satisfaction and highlighted the importance of enhancing job satisfaction from different perspectives. The interest of employees should be enhanced, their family–work conflict should be reduced and their psychological issues should be addressed to stimulate their enthusiasm. As job satisfaction contributes positively to organizational commitment and intention to stay, managers should conduct a series of organizational supportive activities to enhance job satisfaction, which will retain qualified employees.

Originality/value

This study conducted extensive research on job satisfaction and drew a systematic picture of job satisfaction on the basis of its determinants and outcomes, research objectives, main themes and journals. All findings were comprehensive and combined to contribute to the literature and serve as a foundation for further study.

Citation

Kong, H., Jiang, X., Chan, W. and Zhou, X. (2018), "Job satisfaction research in the field of hospitality and tourism", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 2178-2194. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-09-2016-0525