Helen Francis
HR transformation within the hotel industry: building capacity for change
Francis, Helen; Baum, Tom
Authors
Tom Baum
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to identify recent trends in the strategic repositioning of the human resources (HR) function within the hotel industry, and to explore challenges facing HR professionals as they engage in strategies to develop talent and organisational capability, while adjusting to the shifting boundaries of the HR function.
Design/methodology/approach – The study provides a case study investigation based on a qualitative research design. It draws on a series of informal discussions with key informants, in-depth round table discussions with members of the HR function and a rich source of secondary (company specific) data about a recent strategic change initiative.
Findings – The study presents a rich picture of the contradictory nature of the strategic repositioning of the HR function, and the role of electronic HR systems in shaping this. It points to the significance of “higherorder” HR capabilities associated with the functions’ capacity to engage in strategies to develop talent and organisational capability.
Practical implications – This study points to contradictions and tensions in shifting the focus of the HR function from “operational” to “strategic” management of talent. It offers four practice implications in the areas of continuous professional development, and building HR and line manager skills in dialogue, project management and the use of new technology, talent data and analytics.
Originality/value – This study illustrates the deployment of talent management practices within a broader organisational development remit to restructure the business and HR function in pursuit of more
efficient and effective people management.
Citation
Francis, H., & Baum, T. (2018). HR transformation within the hotel industry: building capacity for change. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 10(1), 86-100. https://doi.org/10.1108/whatt-10-2017-0064
Journal Article Type | Article |
---|---|
Acceptance Date | Nov 6, 2017 |
Publication Date | Feb 12, 2018 |
Deposit Date | Feb 22, 2019 |
Journal | Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes |
Print ISSN | 1755-4217 |
Publisher | Emerald |
Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
Volume | 10 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 86-100 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/whatt-10-2017-0064 |
Keywords | Paradox, Talent management, Organizational development, Strategic HR, e-HRM |
Public URL | http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1608321 |
You might also like
Followers, Communications and Leadership
(2020)
Book Chapter
The Ethics of Engagement in an Age of Austerity: A Paradox Perspective
(2018)
Journal Article
In search of the critical in the concept of engagement: Implications for HRD professionals.
(2014)
Presentation / Conference Contribution
E-HR and international HRM: a critical perspective on the discursive framing of e-HR
(2014)
Journal Article
Downloadable Citations
About Edinburgh Napier Research Repository
Administrator e-mail: repository@napier.ac.uk
This application uses the following open-source libraries:
SheetJS Community Edition
Apache License Version 2.0 (http://www.apache.org/licenses/)
PDF.js
Apache License Version 2.0 (http://www.apache.org/licenses/)
Font Awesome
SIL OFL 1.1 (http://scripts.sil.org/OFL)
MIT License (http://opensource.org/licenses/mit-license.html)
CC BY 3.0 ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)
Powered by Worktribe © 2025
Advanced Search