A Comparison of Perspectives of Skills Necessary for Successful Career Between Hospitality Students and Industry in China: A Case Study of Shenzhen
The purpose of this dissertation was to compare the perspectives of skills necessary for successful career between hospitality graduates and industry in Shenzhen, China. Respondents in this research included hospitality students from Shenzhen Polytechnic and industry representatives in Shenzhen area. All industry representatives were departmental managers from 5 four-star and 5 five-star hotels. The instrument in this research was based on Raybould & Wilkins’s (2005), and Annaraud’s (2004) studies, but modified and tested by using a pilot study and a focus group. The results indicated that industry managers ranked Interpersonal Skills, Team Work and Leadership, and Adaptability/Flexibility and Learning as the most three important skills and characteristics for hospitality students in order to be successful in hospitality careers whilst students rated Interpersonal Skills, Team Work and Leadership, and Verbal Communication as the top three skills. The results in the study show that view “gap” exists between the two groups in Shenzhen area. The possible reasons of the perception “gap” between the two groups were also discussed in this study. Based upon data analysis, some suggestions on how to reform hospitality program, program administration as well as how to realize and meet industry needs were submitted to key stakeholders for reference such as teaching and management staff in Shenzhen Polytechnic, industry administration departments in Shenzhen as well as other educators and education managerial institutions in China.
Hospitality industry in China, Hospitality industry in Shenzen, Hospitality industry employment, Hospitality industry study and teaching
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