The mediating role of the glass-ceiling phenomenon in the relationship between career opportunities and employee engagement within the hospitality

Jelena Lukić Nikolić; Pero Labus

doi:10.5937/menhottur2400011L

Authors

Jelena Lukić Nikolić Modern Business School, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0632-8974
Pero Labus Hotel Ambasador, Split, Croatia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8098-7711

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5937/menhottur2400011L

Keywords:

hospitality industry, employee engagement, women's career, glass ceiling phenomenon, career opportunities

Abstract

Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze the relationship between career opportunities and employee engagement, as well as the mediating effect of the glass-ceiling phenomenon within the hospitality. Methodology – Beside desk research, this paper employs the empirical research undertaken by use of a specially prepared online questionnaire. Research was conducted between October 2023 and April 2024 with participation of 567 women employed in the hospitality, while proposed relationships were tested by using the partial least squares method for structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM, SmartPLS software). Findings – The research results showed the existence of a positive relationship between broken glass-ceiling and employee engagement, that career opportunities are positively related to employee engagement and elimination of the glass-ceiling effect, and that the glass-ceiling effect mediates the relationship between career opportunities and employee engagement within the hospitality. Implications – This is one of the first studies which addresses the topics of glass-ceiling, career opportunities and employee engagement in the hospitality by using specific methodology (questionnaire and PLS-SEM). The research findings may be used as a basis for decision making process for retaining employees in the hospitality on the long run by eliminating glass-ceiling effects, improving career opportunities and employee engagement.

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