The impact of mentorship on internship satisfaction among hospitality interns: The moderating role of thriving at work

Abstract

This study explores the effects of vertical mentoring and horizontal mentoring on internship satisfaction among hospitality interns. Additionally, this study investigates whether thriving at work moderates the relationship between mentoring function and internship satisfaction. In this study, 900 questionnaires, comprising parts one and two, were distributed to interns at five-star hotels and chain restaurants in Taiwan with a two-week interval. Part one includes the dependent variable (e.g., mentoring function) and moderating variable (e.g., thriving at work), while part two includes the independent variable (e.g., internship satisfaction). Ultimately, 489 valid questionnaires were returned. The analysis results were as follows: (1) both vertical mentoring and horizontal mentoring had a significantly positive effect on internship satisfaction; (2) learning trait moderated the relationship between mentoring function and internship satisfaction; and (3) vitality trait moderated the relationship between mentoring function and internship satisfaction. Management implications and research recommendations are also provided in this paper.