Diversity and inclusion as indicators of sustainable human resources management in the international hospitality industry

Abstract

This research paper discusses the notion of sustainable human resources management (SHRM). In order to deal with current and expected talent deficiencies for the international hospitality industry, innovating approaches to HRM are highly needed. An important focus within SHRM in this research is put on the necessity for companies to consider a diversity and inclusion (D&I) policy as part of a wider sustainable HRM strategy. The literature on SHRM is still limited although particularly outside the hospitality industry in other sectors there is a growing sense for the importance to the approach. The De Prins SHRM Framework visualises four perspectives to the topic. To illustrate how an inside-out company analysis can provide the elements to further develop SHRM and specifically its D&I intentions, the case of Hotel X is presented. D&I management, action needed, leadership in D&I, organisational responsibility, D&I supporting business, and Hotel X’s current paradigm are discussed in detail. Conclusions and recommendations for Hotel X and other companies in the hospitality industry include: implementing a sustainable HRM strategy including D&I policies, and setting up a monitoring mechanism to measure metrics that demonstrate if the strategy is successful. Metrics recommended to implement are: job yield, skills inventories, promotion rates, and external market share.