Determinants of Women’s Participation in Strategic Decision Making in 5-star Hotels in Nairobi City, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Hotel, Catering and Tourism industry are among the leading sectors globally. Figures from World Tourism Organization show that the global hotel industry revenue is increasing every year. The research was conducted to explore the determinants of women’s contribution in strategic decision-making in 5-star Hotels in Nairobi City, Kenya. Precisely, the study investigated the influence of organizational factors in the hotel industry. The literature is pegged on the theories that relate to women’s involvement in strategic decision-making in hospitality and review other relevant studies. These theories are Upper Echelon Theory and Role Congruity Theory. Existing literature was reviewed and three hypotheses were tested. Descriptive survey design was used. The study targeted managers of 5-star Hotels in Nairobi City which comprised of 340 employees in managerial positions. A sample of 78 was chosen out of the population of 340 with a 95% confidence level. The research employed stratified random sampling technique to 340 respondents in 5-star Hotels. Respondents were selected using simple random sampling method. The research administered questionnaires to collect data and further analysis done. The study applied Karl Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis to determine the correlation of variables. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test for reliability, or internal consistency. Validity test was also done. Validity happens when the measures of a unit have high correlation. Data collection was done through open-ended questionnaires. Data presentation was done through tables. Study findings indicate organizational factors play key influence in this study. There was close relationship between women’s inclusion in leadership and all factors used in the study. This study enhanced the existing literature and the recommendations of the research will be useful to hospitality industry management as well as the government, hotel owners, management and hospitality training institutions. The study recommends policy makers in the hotel industry to make adjustments in the organizational structure to accommodate more women in leadership and make women-friendly corporate policies. The study recommends embracing of new strategies that aim at coming up with progressive ideas to address working hours for women in management positions, raise aspirations and confidence of women. The study recommends further research to be conducted on government’s efforts and challenges it faces to achieve gender equity in hospitality industry management.