Factors influencing adoption of NVQs in small hospitality businesses

Abstract

Against a background of the potential suitability, yet limited adoption, of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in small hospitality businesses, reports the findings and conclusions of a study of five small businesses in the hospitality industry which had adopted NVQs. Discusses the preconditions, processes, outcomes, problems and issues associated with NVQ adoption and implementation. Suggests that success is more likely where there is an existing training culture and infrastructure; where on‐job training is positive, supportive and monitored; and there is a senior management NVQ “champion” and an enthusiastic team of in‐house trainers and potential assessors. Shows NVQs to give a sharper focus to training activity; improve candidates’ perceived job satisfaction, morale and career prospects; enhance work flexibility and performance; and to have a perceived, if difficult to measure, pay‐off in terms of business performance. Proposes that the potential contribution of NVQs to training and human resource management in small hospitality businesses is considerable.