Judie Gannon

Exploring the relationship between the human resource management practices and growth in small service firms

This paper seeks to evaluate the relationship between the growth and the human resource management (HRM) practices of small service firms in catering to professional services and the retailing sectors in the UK. The paper reports and analyses the findings of 196 face-to-face structured interviews with small service business owners. Findings suggest that employee empowerment contributes to the sales growth of small firms in the different sectors of the service industry. The study also shows that employee training and recruitment through formal channels contribute to the sales growth of firms operating in the catering sector. This paper argues that contextual variables – the extent of the competition and the availability of the workforce – have a bearing on the HRM practices employed by small service businesses.

Developing tomorrow's talent: the case of an undergraduate mentoring programme

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of an alumni and employer engagement mentoring initiative in a hospitality and tourism school within a UK university.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the survey method and interviews to provide qualitative and quantitative data on the participants’ reactions to the initiative.Findings – The main components of successful mentoring programmes; matching, preparation, interaction and evaluation are explored to help identify the long‐ and short‐term challenges and benefits of mentoring students as they transition into the graduate labour market. The findings highlight the benefits to mentors and mentees and the challenges for ensuring participant engagement and ongoing development. The article concludes with an agenda for further mentoring developments in the midst of the dynamic challenges facing UK higher education institutions and the hospitality and tourism industry.Practical implications – The article highlights the importance of a sy...

In the Line of Fire: managing expatriates in hostile environments

Abstract This study explores best practice in the preparation and protection of strategic HRs deployed by Multinational corporations (MNCs) in hostile environments. By building on the literature from the areas of strategic and IHRM, expatriation, as well as risk and crisis management, the limitations and gaps of the extant research are highlighted. This provides a foundation for our investigation through a series of in-depth interviews with corporate executives, and insurers and relocation specialists with professional expertise in protecting and supporting HRs. This represents the first time such a detailed picture of the partnerships between MNCs and the specialists, required to deliver preparation and protection in hostile environments, has been depicted in the IHRM literature. The findings identify the challenges MNCs face when protecting their HRs and highlights the importance of specialist expertise, knowledge, and management. A framework for managing HRs within international hostile environments is subsequently developed offering an opportunity to systematically consider some of the ethical and strategic issues associated with the contemporary challenges of international mobility.

Exploring shared and distinctive aspects of coaching and mentoring approaches through six disciplines

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine where and how coaching and mentoring disciplines overlap or differ in approach. Coaching and mentoring have emerged as important interventions as the role of helping relationships have gained prominence in human resource development. However, there appear to be contexts where one or other is preeminent, without consistent explanation of their suitability. Such inconsistency arguably creates confusion and doubt about these interventions and their efficacy notably amongst those who commission such interventions and their potential beneficiaries. This study focuses on this inconsistency of coaching or mentoring by exploring practitioners’ approaches within six disciplines: executive coaches, coaching psychologists, sports coaches, mentors of leaders, mentors of newly qualified teachers and mentors of young people, with the aim of assisting those seeking support with development. Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory study was undertaken using a quali...

Experiences of mentoring in the UK hospitality sector

ABSTRACT The challenges of developing and managing the future generation of hospitality employees and managers has highlighted the value of using mentoring to effectively socialize, support, and nurture human resources. This study examines the experiences of mentors and mentees in the UK hospitality industry using interviews and focus groups. Findings expose the beneficial outcomes of mentoring as well as the forms it can take but also the issues which may arise from this developmental intervention. The value of mentoring is highlighted, in an industry facing significant human resource dilemmas, due to its capacity to enhance the industrys image alongside its typical career development and psychosocial functions.