GENDER IM/BALANCE IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: A CASE OF GENERAL MANAGERS OF FIVE-STAR HOTELS AND RESORTS IN THAILAND

Abstract

This paper is a research proposal comprising of three sections which are introduction, literature review and methodology. The study aims to explore a possible phenomenon of gender im/balance in hospitality industry while the study focuses on general managers of five-star hotels and resorts in Thailand. Based on this possible phenomenon about gender corresponding to research, cultural dimension of Thailand influencing on Thai people are applied by using Hofstede’s cultural dimension, Globe dimension, Inglehart’s model and the characteristics of Thai people by Komin to determine specification of Thai cultures. Also, the study will explore hotel general manager’s competencies and the relationship from influence of Thai cultures toward hotel general manager’s characteristics in order to explore new knowledge via relationship of Thai cultures and general manager position in five-star hotels and resorts to determine gender im/balance. In addition, this paper provides a conceptual framework to generalize links of Thai cultural dimensions and general manager’s competencies toward gender imbalance. Methodology will be explored with  mix method based on qualitative and quantitative study in order to generate effective outcomes through gender im/balance issue as well as sampling and analysis.