Exploring Success Factors in Top Careers in the Netherlands

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to identify success factors in the careers of top women in the hospitality industry. We started out by interviewing five women who are currently working in a high management position in the hospitality industry, about their experiences on their way to the top. For the purpose of comparison we later on decided to apply theoretical sampling and include women from other industries, and subsequently men from inside and outside the hospitality industry. Grounded Theory analysis revealed six factors that influenced all their rising careers: internal drive, ambition, social skills, competencies, personality, and external factors. Although the factors were of varying importance at different stages of their professional life cycle, “internal drive” and “ambition” were found to be most important throughout the progressing careers. Some differences between the groups studied are described and implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Citation

Sok, J.M.H., Blomme, R.J., Tromp, D.M. and Van Muijen, J.J. (2011), "Exploring Success Factors in Top Careers in the Netherlands", Chen, J.S. (Ed.) Advances in Hospitality and Leisure (Advances in Hospitality and Leisure, Vol. 7), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 3-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1745-3542(2011)0000007005