Hotel managers' career strategies for success

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore career strategies used by Greek hotel managers in order to advance their careers successfully.Design/methodology/approachUsing a case study sample of 65 hotel general managers working in deluxe hotels in Greece, data on career strategies were collected using a postal questionnaire.FindingsIt is revealed that the managers use a range of different strategies in order to advance their careers. The most commonly used are in relation to career opportunities, skills, mobility, interpersonal relations and handling diverse situations. The least commonly used ones relate to family contacts, job search techniques and pay.Practical implicationsThe strategies are discussed in terms of recruitment, training and retention of managers in the hotel industry.Originality/valueThis paper builds on the knowledge of careers strategies used for career success.