Malaysian Hotel Research Articles

Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI): a paradigm shift in HRM practices for employee sustainable performance

Purpose This study aims to investigate the interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) integration, organizational digital culture, human resource management (HRM) practices and employee sustainable performance in luxury hotels in Malaysia. It seeks to elucidate how AI adoption influences organizational dynamics, shapes HRM practices and impacts employee sustainable performance over time. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative approach, survey questionnaires derived from prior research were utilized. Analysis using G*Power software determined an appropriate sample size, with psychometric evaluation validating scale development. Statistical analyses using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 28.0 and SmartPLS 4 confirmed data reliability and validity. Findings Out of the five hypotheses, three were supported. A positive relationship was found between AI adoption and employee sustainable performance, highlighting AI’s potential to enhance productivity and job satisfaction. However, the relationship between AI adoption and organizational digital culture was not supported. On the other hand, HRM practices positively influenced employee sustainable performance. In addition, organizational digital culture was positively associated with employee sustainable performance, underscoring the role of digital fluency in driving workforce productivity. Conversely, AI failed to moderate the relationship between HRM practices and employee sustainable performance. Research limitations/implications The study’s focus on luxury hotels in Malaysia and its reliance on cross-sectional data, suggesting the need for longitudinal designs and diverse organizational contexts in future research. Comparative studies across sectors and countries could offer insights into variations in AI adoption practices and their impact on organizational performance. Originality/value This study contributes to theoretical frameworks by empirically examining complex relationships between AI integration, HRM practices, organizational digital culture and employee performance, emphasizing the importance of considering organizational context and cultural factors in understanding the implications of AI adoption for sustainable performance enhancement.

A study of staff pre‐evacuation behaviors in a Malaysian hotel

AbstractSimulating fire and evacuation scenarios is crucial for engineers to assess building safety during fire incidents. Accurate simulations require data on occupants' behaviors, particularly during the pre‐evacuation phase as these decisions significantly impact evacuation duration. Gathering comprehensive data from diverse regions while considering cultural and regional variations is necessary to understand how occupants' behavior is influenced. Thus, this study focuses on examining the behavior of Malaysian hotel staff during unannounced fire drill to gain insights into factors affecting their behavior during pre‐evacuation stage, such as fire experience, fire alarm, drill participation, fire training, and awareness. The study categorizes the actions performed by the hotel staff into sequences and analyses them based on influencing factors. The findings indicate that instead of immediately evacuating in response to emergency notification, the hotel staff engage in various actions. Most staff members initially investigate or ignore the emergency, resulting in longer pre‐evacuation times. Moreover, the results suggest that previous drill participation and high awareness levels contribute to shorter pre‐evacuation times. Conversely, previous fire experience, fire training, and fire alarm familiarity have no effect on pre‐evacuation time.

Measuring sustainable business performance in Malaysian hotels: The roles of green information, green innovation strategic orientation, and digital technology implementation

This study investigated the relationship between strategic orientation, green innovation, the implementation of digital technology, and financial and non-financial performance. It has also considered the factors of green information proactiveness, transparency, and formality. The research was conducted in the Malaysian hotel industry, using data from 401 employees and 74 managers. Path analysis was performed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results indicated that a strategic orientation towards green innovation is positively correlated with green information proactiveness and transparency, that implementing digital technology is positively linked to green information proactiveness and transparency, that the formalization of green information positively impacts financial performance, that non-financial performance is influenced by both proactive and formal green information practices; and that the proactiveness, transparency, and formalization of green information act as mediators in the relationship between green innovation strategic orientation and financial performance. This research provides valuable insights to help the hotel industry move towards a more environmentally responsible and technologically prosperous future by examining these relationships.

Critical Success Factors for Adopting Corporate Social Responsibility in the Malaysian Hotel Industry

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming more highly regarded in the hotel sector as a strong weapon in promoting sustainable economic development and addressing ethical concerns. Nevertheless, there is a limited knowledge of the notion of CSR in the hotel business, as well as how to effectively implement it. This study seeks to understand the views and recommendations of experts regarding the key elements of that are essential for the effective implementation of CSR in the hotel industry. This study uses the NGT method as the main method of the study. A panel of ten highly skilled Malaysian industry practitioners and academics was convened. The data were descriptively collected and analyzed, and they were weighted according to ranking (1-3, lowest to highest priority) of domain. The rationale for the choices were analyzed thematically. The domain of "financial resources," "top management support," "employees’ education and training on CSR," and " managerial or internal skills on CSR” was recommended as the preferred measure of time period over which the domains were rated. The adoption of these recommendations will help standardize approaches to improving the CSR practices particularly in the Malaysian hotels.

Sustainability reporting and stakeholder engagement of Malaysian hotels in social media: the moderating role of media types

Sustainability reporting and stakeholder engagement of Malaysian hotels in social media: the moderating role of media types

The relationships between quality management system practices and innovation performance in Malaysia hotel industry

The relationships between quality management system practices and innovation performance in Malaysia hotel industry

Factors that Influence Customer Intention to Visit Green Hotel in Malaysia

The study aims to determine the factors that affect customer intention to stay at a green hotel in Malaysia. This study uses convenience sampling for a respondent who intends to stay at a green hotel in Malaysia using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). This cross-sectional study examined the factors influencing 384 customers’ intention to visit green hotels. Subjective norms, attitude, perceived behavior control, and overall image towards green hotels have been examined as concerning their relationship with intention. The relationship has been analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The questionnaire was distributed through an online platform using Google Forms and it contains several sections consisting of demographic and TPB variables. The result of the study showed that there is a positive relationship between all factors and customer intention to stay at a green hotel in Malaysia.

Factors influencing consumer behavior towards intention and the selection of luxury hotels in Malaysia using Theory of Planned Behavior

This study aimed to examine the impact of the Theory of Planned Behavior on Malaysian luxury hotel selection. To achieve this objective, the study examined the influence of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and fake reviews on the choice of luxury hotels in Malaysia. The study also investigates whether intention mediates the relationship between these variables and luxury hotel selection. The research method was quantitative in nature and to collect the necessary data, convenience sampling was used on an online questionnaire, resulting in 400 valid responses. The respondents were residents of Malaysia aged over 18 years old who had stayed at luxury hotels before, as they are qualified to answer the research objectives. For this study, four- and five-star hotels are considered as luxury hotels. The collected data were then analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26, using descriptive, regression, and mediation analysis through Hayes process. The results from the regression analysis revealed the predictive power of each variable, while the mediation analysis demonstrated that intention mediates the relationship between attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in luxury hotel selection. According to this study, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and fake reviews influence luxury hotel choices. Intention significantly mediates the association between attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, fake reviews, and luxury hotel choices.

The Factors Affecting Environmental Sustainability Behaviour in the Malaysian Hotel Industry

The Factors Affecting Environmental Sustainability Behaviour in the Malaysian Hotel Industry

Effects of organisational, individual and contextual factors on employees’ intentions to adopt green practices

Building on the perspectives of the theory of planned behaviour, behaviour spillover, and social bond, this study develops and tests an integrative framework that explores the linkages between hotel employees’ organisational commitment (OC) and pro-environmental behaviour in the home (PEBH) as key antecedents affecting their intention to adopt green practices in the workplace (IGPW). We further examine the moderating role played by green organisational climate (GOC). Empirical results from 407 Malaysian hotel employees show that employees’ PEBH enhances IGPW via attitude and perceived behavioural control (PBC); OC positively affects intention mediated only by attitude, and GOC strengthens the effect of OC on PBC. These findings provide novel evidence concerning the importance of the contextual and organisational environment in shaping employees’ green behaviour.

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Cashless Payment among Guests in the Malaysian Hotel Industry

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Cashless Payment among Guests in the Malaysian Hotel Industry

Empowering pro-environmental potential among hotel employees: insights from self-determination theory

PurposeThis research examines the role of green, inclusive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and pro-environmental attitudes on proactive pro-environmental behaviour among hotel employees. It further examines the indirect effects of pro-environmental attitudes between green inclusive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and proactive pro-environmental behaviour, as well as the moderating role of psychological contract breach between pro-environmental attitudes and proactive pro-environmental behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe participants of this cross-sectional study were employees in the Malaysian hotel industry, and 374 usable questionnaires were used for data analysis. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling.FindingsThis study found that green, inclusive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and pro-environmental attitudes significantly influence proactive pro-environmental behaviour. For mediating effects, pro-environmental attitudes have been found to mediate the relationship between corporate social responsibility, green inclusive leadership and proactive pro-environmental behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe research proposes actionable measures to encourage environmentally friendly practices in the hotel sector. For companies to succeed, they must integrate green initiatives with their societal objectives. Pro-environmental mindsets are essential for implementing effective environmental policies, which in turn impact recruitment approaches. The advantages of fostering pro-environmental conduct encompass financial savings, enhanced standing, adherence to regulations, increased innovative thinking and improved workplace well-being.Originality/valueOver time, environmental degradation has been contributed by individual behaviours and the combined actions of businesses and organisations. This study significantly contributed to a new model underpinned by the Self-determination Theory by including new constructs influencing proactive pro-environmental behaviour.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY MALAYSIA DURING POST COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Human resource management (HRM) appears to have a favourable impact on organisational performance. However, HRM in the tourism business is defined by ad hoc and short-term initiatives, and as a result, the industry typically has a negative image of employment practises and circumstances. Thus, this paper looked at how the role of HRM in Malaysian hotels changed before, during, and after the COVID-19 outbreak. The main ideas for the investigation of HRM in both crises and the tourist and hospitality industry are introduced in a theoretical review. Theoretical review presents HRM has a variety of good outcomes, including improved corporate and financial performance, increased employee motivation, and lower voluntary staff turnover. It was discovered that the tourism business issues with a negative image of employment practises and circumstances when it comes to HRM. Despite the fact that employees represent the sector, HR practises are ad hoc. In recent years, the tourism business has undergone changes, but these changes have been happened slowly. Low salaries, unsocial hours and shift tasks, poor or non-existent career structures and restricted prospects for development, informal recruitment practises, or high levels of staff turnover, according to the literature, HRM faces a variety of challenges in the business.

Assessing Environmental Performance Through Environmental Management Initiatives, Green Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation, and Resource Commitment in Malaysian Hotels

ABSTRACT The level of dedication that an organization has toward the preservation of the natural environment is reflected in its environmental performance. This study evaluates the role of green extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and resource commitment on Malaysian hotel employees’ environmental performance. It also examines the mediating roles of green extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and resource commitment in the relationship between green management initiatives and hotel environmental performance. Data was collected from the Four- and five-star hotel employees and tested the models and hypotheses of this study by employing partial least squares-structural equation modeling. Green extrinsic and intrinsic motivation significantly influence environmental performance. Moreover, management’s environmental initiative positively influences green extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. The self-determination theory and resource-based view theory firmly support this research.

EXPLORING THE VIEWS OF MALAYSIAN HOTELIERS ABOUT SURVIVAL DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The sudden new crown pneumonia epidemic has had a huge impact on tourism, as well as hospitality industry in Malaysia. This paper analyses the views and reaction in crisis management practices pursued by hotel managers for business survival during the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, in-depth interviews were carried out on the managers of Malaysian hotels (five managers from 3-star hotels, and four managers from 5-star hotels). The results indicated that the labour actions (e.g., unpaid leave, salary cut and layoff) were the first and most favour by hotels to respond to the COVID-19. However, it causes the shortage of manpower when the hospitality industry resumes back at the recent stage. This is one of the main challenges faced by hoteliers. Digital marketing and promotion were another strategy implemented by hotels to increase occupancy rate during the pandemic. In addition, views on government supports to the hotels during the pandemic were also identified.

The Impact of Cost Accounting on the Adoption of Environmental Management Systems in the Tourism Industry

Environmental issues often receive attention in Malaysia in parallel with the rapid development of the tourism industry which has contributed to environmental pollution. In connection with that, various efforts have been made to prevent and reduce the effects of pollution on the environment, including the Environmental Management System (EMS). By implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS), the effects of unwanted pollution on the environment will be reduced. The purpose of this study is to expand the understanding of how cost accounting factors affect the application of EMS among hotels in Malaysia. The sample of this study is based on a questionnaire collected from 56 4 and 5 star hotels in the Central Region of Malaysia including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. This study uses Semi-Structured Least Squares Equation Modeling and Institutional Theory as supporting theory. The study found that cost savings do affect the use of EMS among hotels in Malaysia. Further analysis shows that different hotel sizes do not affect the adoption of EMS. This study expands knowledge on how cost accounting simultaneously influence the adoption of EMS in a tourism industry in Malaysia. Next, this study also provides new evidence that the size of the hotel does not influence the effect of cost accounting factors on the implementation of EMS.

Sustainable environmental management practices: evidence from hotels in Malaysia

Sustainable environmental management practices: evidence from hotels in Malaysia

Sustainable Human Resource Management Practices in Achieving Employees’ Sustainable Performance: Evidence in the Hospitality Sector

Several hospitality businesses face numerous obstacles in enhancing and sustaining employee sustainable performance and commitment due to increased job demands and expectations. This study employs social exchange theory to explore the influence of sustainable HRM practices, such as training and development, employee participation, and employment security practices on employee sustainable performance among executive-level employees in 4- and 5-star hotels. Despite the scarcity of research focusing on the relationship between sustainable HRM practices and employee sustainable performance, especially in the high-end hotel industry, this research analysed 280 valid responses using the PLS-SEM approach. The findings reveal a significant association between training and development and task sustainable performance. Besides, the study identifies a relationship between employee participation and task and relational sustainable performance, while employment security practice appears to have no effect on either task or relational sustainable performance. Although the research primarily targets executives from 4- and 5-star hotels in Malaysia, which may not be representative of other organisational settings, it provides empirical evidence that sustainable HRM practices are directly linked to task and relational sustainable performance, which is beneficial for both researchers and practitioners. 
 

Sustainable Facilities Management (SFM) Initiatives in Malaysia Hotel Industry

This study offers valuable insights into the implementation of Sustainable Facilities Management (SFM) initiatives within Malaysia's hotel industry. By drawing upontraditional organizational theory, the research identifies sustainable measures at strategic, tactical, and operational levels. Environmental issues have gained increasing recognition among hoteliers worldwide, making them a crucial area of focus. The rise of the tourism sector is often associated with the hospitality industry's impact on the environment. Through preliminary semi-structured interviews with eight respondents from diverse hotel experiences, the study analysed the current SFM initiatives in the context of the Malaysian hotel industry. The findings highlight that SFM practices follow a top-to-bottom sequential process, encompassing policy planning (strategic), awareness-raising (tactical), implementation (operational), and monitoring and improvement planning (operational). Emphasizing the significance of integrating SFM initiatives into day-to-day hotel operations, the study underscores the need for systematic and comprehensive sustainability practices. Moreover, this study makes a valuable contribution by developing Sustainable Facilities Management (SFM) initiatives that assess hotels' long-term commitment to sustainability, benefiting not only the industry but also the wider community. By focusing on SFM initiatives in the hospitality sector, this article offers crucial information to fuel the rapid growth of sustainable development within Malaysia's hospitality industry.

Managers’ Motivating Language and employees’ Job Engagement: The Role of Meaningfulness and Employee– Manager Relationships

ABSTRACT Managers’ communication, relationships with subordinates, and employees’ feelings of meaningful work are vital in engaging subordinates. However, their relationships lack a theoretical foundation. Drawing on self-concept theory (SCT), this study assesses the mediating role of psychological meaningfulness and employee – manager relationships (EMR) in the connection between three types of motivating language used by managers and job engagement. This study also tests the moderating role of EMR between psychological meaningfulness and job engagement. A convenience sampling method was used to collect 380 responses from employees working at four- and five-star hotels in Malaysia. Data were analyzed using the partial least squares method. Although three forms of motivating language positively relate to psychological meaningfulness, only empathetic language positively relates to EMR. Psychological meaningfulness mediates relationship between the three forms of motivating language and job engagement, while EMR only mediates the relationship between empathetic language and job engagement. EMR also significantly and negatively moderates the link between psychological meaningfulness and job engagement. These findings add value to the SCT and motivating language by assessing the relationships between motivating language, EMR, psychological meaningfulness, and job engagement. Managers can use motivating language to make jobs meaningful and build relationships with subordinates to improve employee outcomes.