Tourism and Hospitality Graduates Competencies: Industry Perceptions and Expectations in the Malaysian Perspectives

Abstract

2 Abstract: Differences in culture may influence management practices and work-related values in the workplace. Hence, organizations prefer to recruit graduates with specific competencies to fulfill specific jobs depending on the related country's cultural values and beliefs. This study investigates the perceptions and expectations of graduate competencies from the Human Resource Managers of 4-star and 5-star lodging properties in Peninsular Malaysia. Based on the questionnaire survey, the findings indicate that the industry perceives the 'ability to work in teamwork' as a vital competency even though it stands as a second competency the industry expected the graduates to possess. The 'ability to use technology' however, in contrast is found to be the most insignificant competency perceived by the industry but stands as the vital competency the industry expected the graduates to have before entering the industry. It can be concluded that in order for the graduates to survive in the industry, working in teamwork is important but knowing how to use technology is not a must. The study significantly contributes to the planning of tourism and hospitality graduate's curriculum by taking into consideration the competencies derived since they may represent the cultural values of the workplace particularly in the tourism and hospitality industry.