Tour Leading in South America: Job Inputs and Outcomes

Abstract

Tour Leader’s (TLs) performance is a key determinant of tourists’ satisfaction. Yet, research on the set of rewards and stressors (job inputs) that TLs experience and how these affect their quality of life and job satisfaction (job outcomes) is scant. This study, framed within the facet analysis model, fills this knowledge gap using data collected from 82 TLs operating in South America. Respondents were satisfied with nonfinancial rewards and perceived low stress levels resulting from their jobs. Although most reported positive psychological outcomes, they also acknowledged a decrease in their quality of convivial life. Analysis indicated that job inputs significantly affected TLs’ psychological and convivial well-being and job satisfaction. Study results expand the scholarship of the inputs and outcomes of tour leading and provides managerial and policy insights to increase TLs’ quality of life and job satisfaction, which is critical to enhance job performance.

The effects of job crafting on tour leaders’ work engagement: the mediating role of person-job fit and meaningfulness of work

“…First, they face considerable occupational stigma due to negative public opinion, affecting their professional pride and identity (Li et al, 2020). Second, tour leaders experience a series of stressors and intrinsic risks unique to this profession, which adversely affect their happiness and job satisfaction (Carrillo et al, 2020a(Carrillo et al, , 2020bTsaur and Lin, 2014;Wang et al, 2010). In addition, occupational stereotypes affect their career choices and development.…”

“…They catalog and link various tourist destinations while being conduits of the local culture (Weng et al , 2020). As actors in the tourism and hospitality industry, they provide diverse services, such as organizing travel itineraries (Carrillo et al , 2020a; Teng and Tsai, 2020). As they ensure the safety and satisfaction of tourists, tour leaders are the proverbial “soul” of the tourism industry (Al Jahwari et al , 2016; Caber et al , 2019; Tu et al , 2020; Wong and Wang, 2009).…”

Tour leaders and guides’ multiple mentoring functions: scale development and validation

“…In terms of knowledge and skills, mentors teach work-related operations, such as professional skills, service methods and other practices in the workplace (Lofthouse, 2018). Especially for tour leaders and guides, employees without any intern experience would develop multiple functions, expectations and skills by the specific work session to fulfill their job requirements (Carrillo et al , 2020).…”