Human resources management in small- and medium-sized hotels in Turkey

Abstract

Effective human resources management (HRM) is vital for the success of small- and medium-sized hotel enterprises (SMHEs). However, there are no single studies concerning HRM practices of SMHEs in Turkey. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current HRM practices of SMHEs in Turkey. Findings from 313 SMHEs revealed that they did not possess formal HRM practices and this resulted in lack of professionalism in these firms. The study concludes that small- and medium-sized hotels, apart from microfirms, should formalize their HRM practices. However, formalization of HRM practices requires financial support and training of owner/managers on managerial skills and the importance of HRM. Cooperation and collaboration among the government, educational institutes and firms are recommended in order to improve HRM applications.