THE HUMAN RESOURCE INVESTMENT IN HOTEL SECTOR: A CASE STUDY OF THE DIP PROGRAM

Abstract

Recent investigations suggest that human capital investment influences and largely impacted the organization’s performance and success. Other human resource practices such as training and development may also improve the level of human capital in the firm. In this study, the human resource investment that aims to improve the level of knowledge and skills of mid-level managers, as well other features such as their managerial and leadership skills, employee engagement, and empowerment, that was practiced by The Datai Langkawi, will be the main focus. The program initiated by The Datai Resort in Langkawi called the ‘Datai Investing People’ or ‘DIP’ program, is a certification for an executive program for their mid-level managers and supervisors. A qualitative interview was conducted with nine of the DIP program participants, in investigating the impact and challenges of the DIP program. The data from the interview were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. It was found that overall, participants of the DIP program were satisfied and mentioned improved managerial and leadership skills, personal development, and improvement, and improved interdepartmental communication and engagement as the impact of the DIP program. Meanwhile, among the challenges found are the approaches and method and unfamiliar classroom setting and environment of the DIP program. Furthermore, the program has successfully conducted and achieved its intended outcome for The Datai. As a pioneer of such a program, this could be a catalyst to promote human resource practices among hotels, in ensuring an improved organization’s performance and human capital’s knowledge and skills development.