Hotels as an Arena for Diversity and Inclusion: with Focus on The Job Training Program by NAV

Abstract

This master’s thesis has explored Norwegian hotel leader’s perception of diversity and inclusion, as well as their perception of the job training program by NAV as a tool for diversity and inclusion. The literature review of the thesis highlights potential benefits which a diverse and inclusive workplace can generate for individuals, organizations, and society. The Inclusive Workplace Model (TIWM) by Mor Barak (2016) has been used a basis for the furhter research conducted with this thesis. A mixed method approach was used by collecting data from Norwegian hotel leaders through a survey and was further followed up by an interview of a general manager of a larger chain with experience with the job training program. As literature stresses varying perceptions of diversity and, findings of this research also indicate variations among the respondents. Willingness to utilize the job training program, and benefits associated with it, was all over positive. However, the survey did reveal that 15,5% of the respondents were not familiar with the job training program, which indicates a gap with a potential for an increase in organizations involved in the program. The Corona crisis which affected Norway in March 2020 has led to an increase in people with periods of unemployment on their CV, as the unemployment rate for Norwegians has increased from 4% to 10,4% during the period so. An increased focus on diversity and inclusion might therefore be even more important in the future, as well as the job training program might become relevant for more people. As the Hotel Industry consists a wide range of varied jobs which often require little training, this industry might have a large potential for practicing diversity and inclusion through alternative sources of employment, such as the job training program.