Applying the theory of planned behavior to explain hotel employers' intentions to offer internships in Jamaica

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The purpose of the study was to apply the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to examine hotel employers' intentions to offer internships in Jamaica. Specific objectives of the study were 1) to determine the salient beliefs that motivate hotel employers to offer internships to hospitality management college students in Jamaica, 2) to examine the relationship among the variables of the TPB in the context of internships, and 3) to examine the influence of the additional variable, Size (small versus large) on the employers' intentions in the context of internships.

The study involved hotel employers within Jamaica. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using focus group discussions, individual interviews, and a survey. Thirty-one employers participated in the focus group discussions and interviews. The survey was completed by 79 hotel employers. Data were analyzed using content analysis, exploratory factor analysis, multiple regression, and stepwise regression analyses.

Findings and Conclusions: Study I results indicate that several belief factors influence employers' intention to offer internships, for example, participation in the development of education, upholding tradition, and enough space for internships among others. Study II was based on the factors identified. The results reveal that there is a positive and significant relationship between attitude and intention as well as perceived behavioral control and intention. Subjective norms had no significant influence on the employers' intentions to offer internships. The presence of the additional variable, hotel size, on the employers' intention was also tested. The study revealed that the size of hotels had a significant influence on the employers' intention to offer internships. Therefore, based on this study's findings, in Jamaica the employers' attitude and their perceived behavioral control are significant factors in their decision to offer internships, along with the additional variable, hotel size.