Gender Equity in Hospitality: The Case of India

Research on gender and leadership has historically been dominated by the Global North, but scholars are questioning the generalizability of the results. Gender Equity in Hospitality: The Case of India showcases the barriers to woman leadership in the hospitality sector in India, including cultural discouragement, training, and development gaps, and HR policies that have successfully benefitted women. It offers insights for critical management scholars and educators and provides recommendations for transforming India into a top global hospitality destination.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2023
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Research on gender and leadership has historically been dominated by the Global North, where there tend to be more woman leaders than in the Global South. However, scholars are increasingly questioning the generalizability of the results of such research, while at the same time highlighting the importance of contextualizing leadership studies within distinct socio-cultural frameworks.
Understanding the contextual differences at play, Gender Equity in Hospitality: The Case of India showcases the barriers, both systemic and individual, to woman leadership in the hospitality sector in India, including cultural discouragement, training, and development gaps as well as commonly held prejudices. On the other hand, Dr Payal Kumar also details HR policies, such as flexi-timing, that have successfully benefitted women in hospitality, and which have the potential to serve as future models for implementing systemic change.
Providing important insights for critical management scholars and educators around the world, Gender Equity in Hospitality: The Case of India offers an ideal case study for examining the barriers to woman leadership in India. For leaders across the sector, this monograph provides private industry and public policy recommendations for transforming the country into a top global hospitality destination.

Introduction:
Research on gender and leadership has long been a significant area of study, with a particular focus on the Global North, where there has historically been a higher prevalence of woman leaders compared to the Global South. However, recent trends indicate that scholars are increasingly questioning the generalizability of these findings, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of contextualizing leadership studies within diverse socio-cultural frameworks.
Contextual Differences:
Gender Equity in Hospitality: The Case of India aims to shed light on the barriers, both systemic and individual, to woman leadership in the hospitality sector in India. By examining the contextual factors that influence leadership opportunities and challenges, the book seeks to provide valuable insights for critical management scholars and educators worldwide.
Barriers to Woman Leadership:
One of the primary barriers to woman leadership in the hospitality sector in India is cultural discouragement. Many traditional beliefs and customs in India continue to perpetuate gender stereotypes, which limit women's access to leadership positions and career advancement. Additionally, women may face discrimination in the workplace, including unequal pay and fewer opportunities for training and development.
Training and Development Gaps:
Another significant barrier to woman leadership in the hospitality sector in India is the lack of training and development opportunities. Women may be underrepresented in management training programs, which can limit their skills and knowledge and prevent them from reaching senior leadership positions. Additionally, women may face barriers to accessing mentorship and networking opportunities, which can further hinder their career growth.
Prejudices:
Commonly held prejudices against women in the hospitality sector in India also contribute to the barriers to woman leadership. These prejudices may include gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and unequal treatment. Women may face challenges in the workplace due to these prejudices, which can create a hostile and unsupportive environment.
HR Policies:
Despite these barriers, there are also examples of HR policies that have successfully benefitted women in the hospitality sector in India. For instance, flexi-timing policies have allowed women to balance work and family responsibilities, which can improve their work-life balance and increase their productivity. Additionally, policies that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace can create a more equitable and supportive environment for women.
Conclusion:
Gender Equity in Hospitality: The Case of India offers an insightful examination of the barriers to woman leadership in the hospitality sector in India. By highlighting the contextual differences at play, the book provides valuable insights for critical management scholars and educators around the world. The book also offers practical recommendations for private industry and public policy to transform India into a top global hospitality destination.

Weight: 293g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803826660