Migrants' experiences of hospitality and gastronomy work

Bc. Diana Archakova

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

ARCHAKOVA, Diana. Migrants’ Experiences of Hospitality and Gastronomy work. [Bachelor thesis] University Prague - College of International Relations and Institute of Hospitality Management and Economics, Ltd. Prague: 2024. 46 pages. This bachelor thesis aims to explore the experiences of migrants working in the hospitality sector, focusing on how their work aligns with initial expectations and the challenges and opportunities they encounter. The thesis is structured into four key parts: a theoretical part, analytical part, outputs and findings, and conclusions. The theoretical part provides background information on the hospitality industry, including its labor dynamics, the role of migrant workers, and relevant trends and challenges within the sector. It also explores existing research on migrant labor in hospitality to establish a foundation for the further analysis. The analytical part outlines the methodology, including the mixed-methods approach applied to collect and evaluate the data. The research methods include a questionnaire distributed among migrant workers in the hospitality sector to gather quantitative data on their experiences, expectations, and challenges. Additionally, qualitative data was obtained through the second method, an interview with hotel manager, providing a deeper understanding of challenges and benefits of hiring migrants. The part of the thesis dedicated to outputs and findings presents the results of the conducted research, highlighting themes such as job satisfaction, skill development, and workplace challenges. Recommendations are proposed based on these findings, addressing the discovered issues and suggesting ways to enhance the experience of migrant workers in the hospitality industry. In conclusion, the research indicates that while the hospitality sector provides migrants with opportunities for economic stability and skill enhancement, challenges such as job insecurity, language barriers, and cultural adjustments remain prevalent. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted support and policy interventions to improve the integration of migrant workers and followingly their satisfaction in the hospitality industry.

Abstract:

ARCHAKOVA, Diana. Migrants’ Experiences of Hospitality and Gastronomy work. [Bachelor thesis] University Prague - College of International Relations and Institute of Hospitality Management and Economics, Ltd. Prague: 2024. 46 pages. This bachelor thesis aims to explore the experiences of migrants working in the hospitality sector, focusing on how their work aligns with initial expectations and the challenges and opportunities they encounter. The thesis is structured into four key parts: a theoretical part, analytical part, outputs and findings, and conclusions. The theoretical part provides background information on the hospitality industry, including its labor dynamics, the role of migrant workers, and relevant trends and challenges within the sector. It also explores existing research on migrant labor in hospitality to establish a foundation for the further analysis. The analytical part outlines the methodology, including the mixed-methods approach applied to collect and evaluate the data. The research methods include a questionnaire distributed among migrant workers in the hospitality sector to gather quantitative data on their experiences, expectations, and challenges. Additionally, qualitative data was obtained through the second method, an interview with hotel manager, providing a deeper understanding of challenges and benefits of hiring migrants. The part of the thesis dedicated to outputs and findings presents the results of the conducted research, highlighting themes such as job satisfaction, skill development, and workplace challenges. Recommendations are proposed based on these findings, addressing the discovered issues and suggesting ways to enhance the experience of migrant workers in the hospitality industry. In conclusion, the research indicates that while the hospitality sector provides migrants with opportunities for economic stability and skill enhancement, challenges such as job insecurity, language barriers, and cultural adjustments remain prevalent. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted support and policy interventions to improve the integration of migrant workers and followingly their satisfaction in the hospitality industry.

Keywords

Migrants, Hospitality, Gastronomy, Experience, Expectations, Challenges, Opportunities

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 5. 12. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 28. 1. 2025
• Supervisor: Ing. Darina Svobodová
• Reader: Ing. Jiří Zelený, Ph.D.

University College Prague – University of International Relations and Institute of Hospitality Management and Economics, Ltd.

Bachelor programme / field:
Hospitality Management / Hospitality Management