An Occupational Hazard: Alcohol Consumption Among Hospitality Managers

SUMMARY One hundred eighty-three alumni of a hospitality program at a Northeastern university were surveyed to examine the relationships between work stressors, strains, social support, and several demographic variables and alcohol consumption among hospitality managers. The data provide compelling support for the presence of an occupational subculture whose norms promote drinking. No support was found for the work stress perspective of alcohol consumption; however, significant negative correlations between each of three measures of strain and alcohol consumption indicate that alcohol may serve as a buffer between work stressors and strains. Implications and future research needs are discussed.