Constructing career competency model of hospitality industry employees for career success

Purpose – This study aimed to focus on developing a career competency model by examining the relationships among career competencies and career success from a career development viewpoint. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted questionnaire survey to collect data from a sample of 277 respondents at 36 international tourist hotels and used the AMOS statistical software package to perform structural equation modeling (SEM) for analysis. Findings – The results showed that career competency model is a multifaceted construct comprising four competency dimensions that influence the career success of food and beverage (F&B) department employees in international tourist hotels. In particular, the competencies related to “career adjustment and control” competency dimension were the most influential competencies for career success. Originality/value – The career competencies detailed in this study are a potential reference for the planning of core or general education courses in the hospitality domain. Hospitality programs can offer a “hospitality career and employability” course that presents modules such as career recognition, career planning, self-management, job-seeking and mobility techniques, problem solving skills, ethics and safety in the workplace, workplace attitude, teamwork, and communication and networking skills.