Female managers in the food and beverage department in luxury hotels: Gender issues and success factors.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a perspective of gender issues and success factors of female food and beverage managers in luxury hotels. Gender discrimination is prevalent in this male-dominated department hindering women from pursuing a career in this sector. Although, there is some evidence of progress in terms of reducing the gender gap and gender pay gap in managerial roles, female managers in hospitality still suffer financially. Still numerical representation is not mirrored in the roles that women play in the technical or managerial leadership of the sector. The employment ghettos still exist implying gender diversity and occupational segregation is prevalent in hospitality management with less opportunities available for female managers. In order to study the impact of gender, age in career progression and their impact on the glass ceiling phenomenon a qualitative research with 12 semi-structured interviews with female food and beverage managers in Greece was done. Gender issues were identified by all participants, although they claimed that the glass ceiling is not thoroughly evident in the workplace. Some faced age discrimination and others were troubled by the working conditions and expectations. Stereotypes still persist in Greece, as well as the pay gap. Female leadership style and management was proposed to be effective in luxury hotels as women are multitasking, supportive, demonstrate empathy and sympathy and bring good results. This study proposes that the HR departments in luxury hotels in Greece are non-effective and they do not pay attention to diversity. Female human capital should be appreciated and developed so that the Greek luxury product can face competition.