Employment of People with Intellectual Disabilities within the Hospitality Industry: Key Factors Influencing Managerial Decisions
- Persons with disabilities represent a substantial portion of the global population. Despite changes in legislation, policy, and social awareness related to enhancing persons with disabilities entrance into the labor force, the largest minority group remains overlooked and underutilized in terms of gaining meaningful employment. Within this group, people with intellectual disabilities are particularly discriminated. Although there is evidence of the positive contribution of people with intellectual disabilities within companies, employer concerns and stereotypes still largely dominate the perception and discourage recruitment. Even in the world of tourism and hospitality, despite proclaiming inclusivity and openness to diversity, the same trend is encountered.
This research focuses on understanding the key factors influencing managerial decisions in hiring people with intellectual disabilities in the hospitality industry. The aim is met through an extensive study of relevant literature and the implementation of practical research. ThePersons with disabilities represent a substantial portion of the global population. Despite changes in legislation, policy, and social awareness related to enhancing persons with disabilities entrance into the labor force, the largest minority group remains overlooked and underutilized in terms of gaining meaningful employment. Within this group, people with intellectual disabilities are particularly discriminated. Although there is evidence of the positive contribution of people with intellectual disabilities within companies, employer concerns and stereotypes still largely dominate the perception and discourage recruitment. Even in the world of tourism and hospitality, despite proclaiming inclusivity and openness to diversity, the same trend is encountered.
This research focuses on understanding the key factors influencing managerial decisions in hiring people with intellectual disabilities in the hospitality industry. The aim is met through an extensive study of relevant literature and the implementation of practical research. The latter was carried out using qualitative semi-structured interviews with hotel managers and HR representatives. Data were analyzed applying the method of content analysis by Philipp Mayring. The data evaluation revealed a number of key findings. A common concept of disability is missing, and the medical model is still partly shared. Several benefits were identified, particularly the ability of enhancing workplace climate and culture. Obstacles were exposed and mostly have to do with time consuming issues and different approach towards employment. Favorable factors along with possible suggestions have been outlined. The findings are then discussed through the lens of the model of factors designed by Stone and Colella (1996). The thesis concludes by stressing the importance of the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and the implication that this has for the hospitality industry. Finally, suggestions for further research are made.…

