Shelagh Mooney

Career Barriers for Women Hotel Managers: in Australasia Shelagh Mooney

This book explores how the intersectionality of gender and chronological age impacted upon women managers? perceptions of career barriers within hotels. The research was carried out in a major international group represented in Australia and New Zealand. It consisted of an online survey sent to the hotel group?s female supervisors and managers and a series of follow up interviews. There was a high response rate to the survey and from respondents wishing to be interviewed. Issues arising from the research included organisational culture, the Old Boy Network, working hours, work-family conflict, geographical mobility, role models, and the pathway to General Manager. The research concluded that for female managers aspiring to proceed up the career ladder in Australian or New Zealand hotels, it would be difficult for them to combine family life and career in the same manner as their male colleagues. There were also negative aspects of hotel culture and organisational practices that disadvantaged women at various stages of their career life cycle.