Do experience learning and self-efficacy matter to hospitality professional skills? Lessons learned from Thai hotel managers

This study aimed to examine the impacts of Hospitality Experience Learning (HEL) and Self-Efficacy (SEC) on Hospitality Mindset (HMS) and Hospitality Professional Skills (HPS). A quantitative approach was employed, collecting data from 398 department managers in five-star hotels across Thailand. A structured questionnaire, developed based on previous research and validated for reliability and validity, was used as the primary research instrument. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that HEL had a significant direct effect on SEC and HMS but no direct effect on HPS. However, HEL indirectly influenced HPS through both SEC and HMS, highlighting their mediating roles. Among the variables, SEC emerged as a key driver, exerting strong positive impacts on both HMS and HPS. Additionally, HMS served as a crucial mediator, linking HEL and SEC to HPS, indicating that managers with high self-efficacy and a strong hospitality mindset are more likely to enhance their professional service skills effectively. These findings provide valuable insights for designing effective training strategies, human resource development programs, and resource allocation initiatives within the hospitality sector to foster sustainable workforce growth. This study is limited by its sample scope, focusing exclusively on department managers in five-star hotels in Thailand, which may restrict the generalizability of the results to other hospitality segments or regions. Future research should expand the sample to include other service sectors or broader organizational contexts to further validate these findings and extend their applicability.