Job satisfaction and potential opportunities for career growth among hotel employees: The case of Oman

As with other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Oman is attempting to increase the number of citizens employed in its hospitality sector. Although several government initiatives have been launched to address this issue, the number of Omanis employed in the hospitality sector continues to be low. The current study aims to determine the causes for this disinterest within the hotel industry. Under the premise that the industry's negative image stems from the experiences of existing Omani hotel employees, the current study investigates their job satisfaction, work-related challenges, and commitment to hotel employment. A mixed methods study was conducted among Omani employees of four- and five-star hotels in Muscat using focus-groups and a structured questionnaire. The results reveal strong dissatisfaction with financial compensation and the limited growth opportunities. The authors conclude that government intervention is required and, beyond improving entrance to hospitality employment, local authorities should be concerned with the growth and development of employees. Further theoretical and practical implications are discussed.