Work social support on hospitality employees’ career optimism and turnover intention

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of job insecurity and perceived work-social support on career optimism, organizational commitment and turnover intention in the hospitality industry in the post-COVID era. Design/methodology/approach Data collection was via an online survey of 428 hotel staff. Structural equation modeling techniques support the research model and hypothesis testing. Findings This study reveals that the perception of job insecurity has a strong effect on turnover intention but no significant influence on career optimism and organizational commitment. Perceived work social support plays a vital role in employees’ coping strategies in difficult work circumstances. It has positive effects on career optimism and organizational commitment. Originality/value The study is considered timely in verifying how the perception of job insecurity and work social support influence hospitality employees’ career optimism, organizational commitment and turnover intention as we transition to the post-pandemic era. The findings enrich the literature on job insecurity and career management through a crisis.

Guest editorial: Tourism talent challenge post-pandemic and the way forward

“…The hospitality workforce has long been the subject of scrutiny regarding precarious work, with job insecurity being one of the few issues that have detrimental effects on retention and well-being. The paper by Bui Thi and Mai (2023), “Work social support on hospitality employees’ career optimism and turnover intention,” finds that job insecurity positively affects turnover intention, while organizational commitment negatively influences turnover intention. Furthermore, both work-social support and career optimism are significant predictors of organizational commitment.…”