Students’ Motivation for a Sustainable Career in the Hospitality Industry in Portugal

Abstract

Based on the intersection between Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 “Quality Education” and SDG 8 “Decent Work and Economic Growth”, the main purpose of this study, framed by the self-determination theory, was to identify the relationship between the factors that motivate students to pursue a career in the hospitality and tourism industry and their commitment to the university and to their program, guaranteeing a more sustainable career. Methodologically, a survey was used to assess students’ perceptions about their commitment to conclude their BA academic program and their time at university, and to identify the types of motivation to pursue a future career in hospitality and tourism. The study took place, with the participation of 305 students, in one of the leading Portugal universities in hospitality and tourism. By leveraging the structural equation modelling technique, we tested how extrinsic and intrinsic motivations for a career in the hospitality and tourism industry contribute to the commitment to the program and the university. Results suggested that students’ commitment to remain in the university and their commitment to conclude their BA program are mainly associated with introjected motivation. This study highlights the need to study higher education systems to boost sustainable human resources management, mainly creating bridges between education systems and industry to allow individuals to have more sustainable careers.