Cultural Beliefs on Women Career Advancement in Selected Kenyan Hotels

Abstract

The hotel employment sector is characterized by a high proportion of women, yet they are underrepresented at the senior management level. Females are disadvantaged in the hotel industry because of the traditional male perceptions of workplace gender roles, stereotypes and discrimination. The objective of the study was to determine how cultural beliefs affect women’s career advancement in 3-5-star hotels in the Nairobi County City Kenya. A descriptive research design was used. This study focused on a qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth, semistructured interviews administered to76 hotel managers. The interviews were used to gain more in-depth knowledge on issues concerning gender bias, leadership styles and gender stereotypes. The data was analysed using content analysis, in order to present data in words and themes, and allow for interpretations to be drawn. The results showed women were fewer at the management level and there were no women who were being paid the top most salaries. The study recommended adopting positive human resource practices that promote a gender-neutral culture in the hotels by providing unconscious bias training for all levels of employees to participate in.