Karam Mansour Ghazi, Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Hesham Dar and Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of strategic leadership (SL) on business operational resilience (OR) in the hotel industry in Egypt, namely, during and after…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of strategic leadership (SL) on business operational resilience (OR) in the hotel industry in Egypt, namely, during and after the pandemic. This investigation also aimed to explore the mediating function of crisis response strategies (CRSs) and organisational e-readiness (Oe-R) in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire as the primary data collection method. Using partial least squares structural equation simulation (PLS-SEM), the study used a comprehensive sample that targets the general managers of all five-star hotels in Egypt.
Findings
Results indicated that SL has a positive impact on CRSs and Oe-R. Furthermore, the results reveal a positive influence of Oe-R on both CRSs and hotel OR. On the other hand, CRSs do not influence hotel OR. The findings showed that CRSs fully mediate the link between SL and OR. However, CRSs do not serve as a mediator between Oe-R and OR. Furthermore, the findings showed that Oe-R partially mediates the link between SL and both OR and CRSs.
Practical implications
The study yields unique and valuable theoretical and practical insights to guide hotel leaders and managers towards adaptive recovery and resilience in turbulent and crisis-ridden environments by demonstrating that the combined mediating function of CRS and Oe-R is more effective in strengthening the relationship between SL and OR.
Originality/value
This study represents a pioneering investigation that establishes a correlation between SL and OR, either through direct or indirect means. The research examines the involvement of CRSs and Oe-R as collaborative mediators in this relationship. Previous studies undertaken in the hotel industry and service sector have not investigated this specific element.
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Zakaria Elkhwesky, Islam Elbayoumi Salem and Mona Barakat
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of ethnic, gender and religious diversity management practices (DMPs) and the level of implementation from perspectives…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of ethnic, gender and religious diversity management practices (DMPs) and the level of implementation from perspectives of five-star hotels in Egypt. Besides, it also examines the moderating role of empowerment and capability development (CD) between the importance and the implementation of gender and religious management practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The questionnaires were distributed personally to entry-level F&B employees, F&B managers, working in F&B departments, and HR managers in all accepted five-star hotels in their workplaces, during July and August 2017. Only 400 returned back, with a response rate of 35 percent and were considered usable for data analysis.
Findings
The results clarified that there was a significant moderate positive correlation between the importance and the implementation of gender and religious management practices (MPs). Nonetheless, the correlation proved to be significant, weak and positive between the importance and the implementation of ethnic MPs. The relationship between the importance and the implementation of ethnic, gender and religious MPs was not moderated by empowerment.
Research limitations/implications
Although questionnaires have been collected from diverse F&B outlets, comparisons among outlets were not conducted. This study concentrated on the F&B departments only; hence, future researchers can make comparisons among different departments.
Practical implications
This study implies that HR managers should recruit employees from diverse ethnicities, gender, ages, disabilities and religions to help five-star hotels achieve success in marketplaces. Recruiting diverse employees should be a basic part of the organizational culture of hotels, specifically F&B departments.
Social implications
Social activities organized in hotels, such as a tennis table, football and billiards tournaments, are included. Hotels can provide employees with special meals during fasting and they can also allow Christian employees to leave the hotel from 7 to 10 a.m. to attend the mass in church each Sunday.
Originality/value
Although DM is necessary for the hospitality industry, there is a lack of studies focusing on investigating the importance−implementation of DMPs and analyzing the moderating role of empowerment and CD in this industry, specifically in Egypt. This study provided weighty contributions to the management of diversity in the Egyptian hotel sector and formed one of the first empirical studies.
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Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Rehab El Gamil, Osman Ahmed El-Said and Marwa Youssif
Hotel management and academia are increasingly interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and charismatic leadership. In this context, the present study examines how…
Abstract
Purpose
Hotel management and academia are increasingly interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and charismatic leadership. In this context, the present study examines how charismatic leaders affect employee quality of life through CSR practices in hotels.
Design/methodology/approach
The survey encompassed employees working at either three-star or five-star hotels in Oman. The model was tested using data gathered from 396 hotel employees.
Findings
Results showed that charismatic leadership positively affects CSR-induced intrinsic and extrinsic attributions. CSR positively affected task significance and intrinsic quality and negatively affected turnover intention. Quality of life predictors had a considerable impact, with intrinsic quality and turnover intention standing out. There was no significant effect of task significance on quality of life. The relationship between charismatic leadership and CSR was stronger for employees in five-star hotels and weaker for employees in three-star hotels. The CSR role mediates the relationship between charismatic leadership and quality of life.
Practical implications
The results indicate that charismatic leaders exert a substantial impact on employees’ attributions of CSR. Upper-level management must emphasize fostering the cultivation of charismatic leadership attributes among non-charismatic leaders as a means to enhance employees’ perceptions of CSR.
Originality/value
Few studies have focused on analyzing employees’ perceptions of CSR activities on a micro level. Investigating CSR phenomena in the context of internal stakeholders, especially employees, is very rare.
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José Alberto Castañeda García, Juan Miguel Rey Pino, Zakaria Elkhwesky and Islam Elbayoumi Salem
The purpose of this study is to identify the core responsible leadership (RL) practices that are most relevant to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) restaurants…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the core responsible leadership (RL) practices that are most relevant to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) restaurants. Furthermore, the authors adapt scales to measure these practices and conduct a pilot study to evaluate their impact on business performance in such establishments.
Design/methodology/approach
Exploratory sequential mixed methods are used to fulfill the research aims. In the first phase, a set of definitions and practices associated with RL are derived from a systematic literature review. Second, a projective method of data collection is applied, involving a panel of 16 experts. Third, a fuzzy cognitive map is developed, which captures the responses of 40 owners or general managers of SME restaurants.
Findings
Twenty-five practices are identified from the systematic literature review. The results show the five leadership practices that match the order of importance assigned by the experts: societal orientation, ethics, stakeholder involvement, power-sharing and environmental orientation. The relevance of those five practices is validated to explain SME restaurants’ financial performance and innovation performance.
Practical implications
Innovation is the key to advancing business sustainability and resilience, and the results identify the specific RL practices that enable improvements to be made in innovation performance among SME restaurants.
Originality/value
This paper identifies the RL practices that are particularly relevant to the tourism field (specifically, the restaurant industry), offers measurement scales for those practices and provides empirical evidence of the relationship between these RL practices and business performance in SME restaurants.
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Zakaria Elkhwesky, Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Haywantee Ramkissoon and José-Alberto Castañeda-García
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of leadership styles in the hospitality industry. It also demonstrates theories used in hospitality leadership styles research…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of leadership styles in the hospitality industry. It also demonstrates theories used in hospitality leadership styles research, identifies the main outcomes and highlights gaps for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a comprehensive review of the 79 articles on leadership styles in the hospitality context spanning over 13 years (2008–2020) and extends the scope in distinctive means.
Findings
This review has demonstrated that leadership styles research in hospitality has made progress in the past 13 years; however, there are conceptual and empirical overlaps among different leadership styles in hospitality. There is a lack of research on antecedents and integrating theories in studies. This review has revealed that several leadership styles have not been rigorously examined in hospitality research with their outcomes.
Research limitations/implications
The search strategy used to find articles published in Web of Science about leadership styles in hospitality was restricted to title to boost the accuracy of the subsequent literature.
Practical implications
By following the guidance presented in this review, the authors expect to advance and maintain hospitality leadership research to provide substantive insights into the context of hospitality leadership over the coming years.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to undertake a comprehensive understanding of various leadership styles in the hospitality context. This study provides a comprehensive projected research agenda to demonstrate theoretical discourses and empirical research. Overall, this critical review presents a holistic idea of the focus of the prior studies and what should be highlighted in future studies.
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Osman Ahmed El-Said, Heba Aziz, Islam Elbayoumi Salem and Marwa Youssif
Aligned with the global commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, this study investigated the role of mega events in promoting…
Abstract
Purpose
Aligned with the global commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, this study investigated the role of mega events in promoting environmentally sustainable behaviors, with a specific focus on Expo 2020 Dubai.
Design/methodology/approach
The context of the current study is Expo 2020 Dubai. Data was gathered from a convenience sample of 250 Expo 2020 Dubai visitors, and following data screening, the data was analyzed using AMOS 24 software following a two-step approach.
Findings
The study found that the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices significantly explained visitors’ environmental sustainability awareness. Moreover, the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices and environmental sustainability awareness positively influenced visitors’ awareness of consequences. Personal norms were found to be influenced by environmental sustainability awareness and awareness of consequences, while the relationship between the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices and personal norms was found to be insignificant. Finally, all predictors of intention to adopt environmentally sustainable behaviors were significant, with environmental sustainability awareness having the strongest impact, followed by the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices, personal norms and awareness of consequences.
Practical implications
These findings contribute valuable insights into the potential influence of mega events on promoting environmentally sustainable behaviors, with implications for event organizers and policymakers working toward sustainable development objectives.
Originality/value
Despite the significant impact of mega-events, few studies have explored how their sustainability practices affect environmental awareness and behavior. With rising global concern for climate change, examining the role of events like Expo 2020 Dubai in promoting sustainability is crucial. This research addresses this gap by investigating how mega-events can enhance environmental awareness and sustainable behaviors.
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Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz, Alamir Al-alawi, Nasser Alhamar Alkathiri and Zakaria Elkhwesky
This study aims to examine the role of eco-label hotel engagement as a pathway to sustainable practices via scouting entrepreneurial resilience and orientation at highly ranked…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of eco-label hotel engagement as a pathway to sustainable practices via scouting entrepreneurial resilience and orientation at highly ranked hotels in Oman. The authors developed and tested a novel model built on resilience theory, the theory of entrepreneurial orientation and the theory of reasoned action (TRA).
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 167 human resources directors, hotel managers and other employees were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).
Findings
Results indicate a strong positive relationship between entrepreneurial resilience and entrepreneurial orientation. Entrepreneurial orientation significantly increased all eco-label strategies, but not all strategies enhanced sustainable tourism practices. High adoption of sustainability practices depended on core strategies related to awareness, benefits, reputation and necessity, but the cost was also an issue. Managers adopted sustainability practices if they were not perceived as costly, or when perceived as costly if they believed they would help them reduce operating costs.
Practical implications
Policymakers should assist hotel managers when the sector is hit by political events, natural disasters or health crises such as the current pandemic can bounce back and develop their resilience. Likewise, training and workshops can be organized to improve managers’ entrepreneurial mindset, which was found to be a precursor to favorable attitudes toward sustainability.
Originality/value
This study tests a novel model built on three theories: resilience theory, the theory of entrepreneurial orientation and the TRA by using PLS-SEM and fsQCA.
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Hasnan Baber, Haywantee Ramkissoon, Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Vahid Ghasemi and Ziaul Haque Munim
The purpose of this study is to suggest a reward-based crowdfunding approach and test customers’ financial contribution behaviour (FCB) as a fundraising strategy for hospitality…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to suggest a reward-based crowdfunding approach and test customers’ financial contribution behaviour (FCB) as a fundraising strategy for hospitality enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate this initiative, a conceptual model motivated by the theory of planned behaviour, integrating economic, emotional, social and altruistic values, perceived risk and electronic word of mouth has been considered. Partial least square structural equation modelling is applied to test the model. Data was collected from 263 respondents across three regions – Europe, Asia and Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Findings
Findings revealed that attitude, self-efficacy and subjective norm of the customers positively influence their financial contribution intention. Further, Asian customers demonstrate significantly higher FCB in comparison to MENA.
Research limitations/implications
This study will be helpful for the hospitality players to raise the funds during the crisis and survive to pay the reward back to the customers. This study will be helpful to the crowdfunding platforms to understand the factors which influence the contribution behaviour.
Practical implications
The results of this study can encourage hoteliers and other hospitality players looking to approach their funding needs through crowdfunding by providing them a guide to maximise their possibility and level of success.
Originality/value
Hospitality businesses demand new approaches and strategies to keep operating during COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 time. This research is original to provide insights into customer contribution intentions during COVID-19.
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Mohamed Mousa, Hala Abdelgaffar, Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz and Walid Chaouali
This study aims to investigate the perceptions of female tour guides’ lower and top levels of management in travel agencies about how misunderstanding Islam and its culture may…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the perceptions of female tour guides’ lower and top levels of management in travel agencies about how misunderstanding Islam and its culture may engender the poor representation of women in the tour guide profession.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research method is used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 full-time female tour guides working at several travel agencies in Egypt. Thematic analysis helped extract main ideas from the transcripts.
Findings
The representation of female tour guides in travel agencies is shaped by the following three determinants: religious (familial obligations and marital status), contextual (nature of tour guide activities, poor representation of women in senior tourism-related jobs, cronyism, sexual harassment and spread of foreign female tour guides) and media influence. Understanding these three factors may enable a more comprehensive representation of female tour guides.
Practical implications
Female tour guides could work closely with tourism policymakers in Egypt to shape the media messages about them. This might include elaborating on the main challenges faced by female tour guides. Social support from families and friends may allow female tour guides more freedom and empowerment.
Originality/value
This study contributes by filling a gap in tourism, human resources management and gender studies in which empirical studies on the representation of females in travel agencies have been limited so far.
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Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Eslam Ahmed Fathy, Amr Mohamed Fouad, Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz and Mohamed Kamal Abdien
The study scrutinizes the direct and indirect association between absorptive capacity as the independent variable and green innovation adoption and sustainable performance as the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study scrutinizes the direct and indirect association between absorptive capacity as the independent variable and green innovation adoption and sustainable performance as the dependent variables. Similarly, the study assessed the mediating role of green innovation adoption between absorptive capacity and sustainable performance. The research also evaluates green organizational culture and environmental regulation as moderators.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study applied partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and administered a questionnaire to general managers and department directors in 4- and 5-star hotels. Quantitative research was employed as the chosen method.
Findings
The PLS-SEM analysis revealed that absorptive capacity has a positive impact on the adoption of green innovation. Furthermore, each sub-dimension of sustainable performance acts as a partial mediator in this relationship. Also, our study showed that environmental regulations and green organizational culture moderate the link between absorptive capacity and the adoption of green innovation.
Research limitations/implications
The research primarily emphasizes that Oman’s hotel business may limit its applicability to other nations with distinct cultures, economies, legal frameworks for the environment and cultural norms.
Originality/value
To build an integrative and a comprehensive framework, the present work combines resource-based view (RBV) theory, dynamic capabilities (DC) theory and triple bottom line (TBL) theory. This method aims to improve understanding by combining several points of view on resource management, skills, and environmental sustainability.