I choose not to place ‘DIS’, in my ability. The perceived inclusion of people with a disability working in the hospitality industry; a qualitative research that provides insight into the experiences of people with a disability

Samenvatting

DSiN is a research institute that strives for inclusion and participation of people with a disability. Nowadays it is high on the political agenda to work towards an inclusive society where people with a disability also get the opportunity to have a job. New regulations, rules and measures should make it easier for people with a disability to work (MinisterievanSocialezakenenwerkgelegenheid, 2018). The hospitality industry is known for the fact that everyone needs to feel welcome, but in reality, is this the case? And if this matter was not so high on the political agenda, would any action for this group be taken?

The goal of this research is to give an advice and develop a policy implementation plan on how to work towards inclusiveness for people with a disability working in the hospitality industry. The advice question that is established based on this objective, is the following: ‘What can hospitality businesses do to promote the perceived inclusion of people with a disability in the hospitality industry?’ The advice will be written for DSiN, focussing on hospitality businesses.

The goal of the research is to create a better insight into the experienced perception of inclusion of people with a disability working in the hospitality industry in order to stimulate the inclusion of people with a disability in this sector.

The conducted research of this thesis consists of desk- and field research. It is possible to gather new information and draw new conclusions by comparing and linking existing literature. The desk research conducted mostly consists of an extensive literature research. Nevertheless, it is not possible to only base the advice on the desk research. The field research can lead to new insights and information when combining it to the existing literature. The field research of this thesis consists of interviews and observations. In total 13 interviews were conducted and 3 companies were visited for observations. People with a disability working in different hospitality businesses are interviewed. Examples of the hospitality businesses are a convention centre, restaurants and hotels. In addition, respondents work in regular hospitality businesses and in specially tailored hospitality businesses.

Based on the results of the field research, an answer is given to the sub-research questions. There are different factors that play a role in the perceived inclusion for people with a disability working in the hospitality industry. The results show that there is a negative attitude towards society. Factors relating to this negative attitude are stigma, shame and the feeling of constantly needing to prove oneself. The results show a significant difference between the perceived inclusion at work and perceived inclusion in society. The experience of inclusion on the work floor is much more positive. Two main factors can be distinguished here; relationships and work tasks. Overall respondents feel appreciated by their colleagues and employers but are not that content with their work tasks. Respondents experience that they should be easily satisfied and constantly need to prove themselves in their work. Another important attention point is the salary and the effect of the participation law. The perceived inclusion on the work floor comes from a sense of belonging in terms of relationships rather than actual inclusion on the work floor.

The results showed some interesting and remarkable insights. These relevant insights were turned into advice concepts. Three advice concepts were provided in this thesis: set up a research project to increase the perception of inclusion focusing on working tasks, get in contact with important stakeholders and discuss salary options and change the image people have of someone with a disability. The conclusion of the research showed that the first advice concept: set up a research project to increase the perception of inclusion focusing on working tasks was most appropriate. This advice concept best meets the needs and wants of people with a disability working in the hospitality industry. This advice concept is described and substantiated with the help of the PDCA-cycle.

Doelstelling

Advice question and objective

The advice question for this project is the following:
‘What can hospitality businesses do to promote the perceived inclusion of people with a disability in the hospitality industry?’

The advice objective is to define or develop a policy implementation plan for hospitality businesses in order to give an advice on how to work towards inclusiveness for people with a disability working in the hospitality industry.

Research question and objective

The research objective is to create a better insight the experienced perception of inclusion for people with a disability working in the hospitality industry in order to stimulate the inclusion of people with a disability in this sector.
In order to reach the research objective, a main research question was established.

The main research question is the following:
‘Which factors play a role in the perceived inclusion of people with a disability in the hospitality industry?’

In order to answer this main research question, several sub research questions were established. The following sub research questions were established:

  • How do people with a disability experience inclusion in their work (in the hospitality industry)?
  • Which factors play a role in the degree to which employees feel included at their work?
  • What current experiences of people with a disability working in the hospitality industry are there?
  • What is the difference in experience for people with a disability working in the regular hospitality sector or hospitality companies that are tailored for people with a disability?

Methode

Desk and field research have been completed in order to provide the client with a suitable advice.

The field research of this thesis consists of interviews and observations. In total 13 interviews were conducted and 3 companies were visited for observations.

Resultaten

There are different factors that play a role in the perceived inclusion for people with a disability working in the hospitality industry. The results show that there is a negative attitude towards society. Factors relating to this negative attitude are stigma, shame and the feeling of constantly needing to prove oneself. The results show a significant difference between the perceived inclusion at work and perceived inclusion in society. The experience of inclusion on the work floor is much more positive. Two main factors can be distinguished here; relationships and work tasks. Overall respondents feel appreciated by their colleagues and employers but are not that content with their work tasks. Respondents experience that they should be easily satisfied and constantly need to prove themselves in their work. Another important attention point is the salary and the effect of the participation law. The perceived inclusion on the work floor comes from a sense of belonging in terms of relationships rather than actual inclusion on the work floor.

Projectinformatie

Thesis, as part of the final phase of the study International Hotel Management at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, location Apeldoorn.

Start date: September 2, 2019

End date: January 13th, 2020

Research line
(Arbeids)participatie
Status
Afgerond
Year completed
2020

Personen

Researchers/ authors
Esmée Buitenhuis
Researchers / project members

Esmée Buitenhuis

People or organisations involved in the project

First examiner: Erik Pakkert
Second examiner: Marion Offereins
Client organization: Disability Studies in Nederland (DSiN)
Client: Minne Bakker

University: Saxion, University of Applied Sciences, location Apeldoorn
Education: Hotel management (Hospitality management) (International/English)

Contact

Esmée Buitenhuis
E-mail: aebuitenhuis@gmail.com

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