bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cross-Border Consumer: Investigation of Motivators and Inhibitors in Dining Experiences
Authors: Lord Kenneth R. , Putrevu Sanjay , Parsa H. G.
Published: March 2006

Consumers who cross national borders potentially participate in multiple consumption experiences. This study focuses on one of the most common—the dining experience. It examines the variables that motivate or inhibit crossing national borders to dine and profiles motivational segments of cross-border diners. A sample of 466 cross-border diners living near the U.S.-Canada border provided information about an array of potential influencing variables. Factor analysis revealed the existence of eight dimensions: ethnocentrism, value drivers, variety seeking, awareness, affective/social considerations, ease of border crossing, perceived differences between restaurants on the two sides of the border, and distance fromthe border. Ethnocentrism and affective/social considerations exerted the strongest influence on consumer cross-border-dining perceptions and behaviors. Three distinct motivational segments emerged—variety seekers, comfort seekers, and value seekers. Discussion profiles each segment, identifies marketing implications, and proposes relevant strategies.
Personality Characteristics, Attitude Toward Risk, and Decisional Orientation of the Small Business Entrepreneur: A Study of Hospitality Managers
Authors: Legohérel Patrick , Callot Philippe , Gallopel Karine , Peters Mike
Published: March 2006

Decision choice, risk attitude, and uncertainty have all been developed in numerous research works. A large amount of literature has been dedicated to decisional orientation within the context of firm management. Most of the articles and theories present choice behavior as rather rational and exclusively geared toward business. Few authors highlight the effects of individual characteristics and the influence of psychological factors on choice behavior within the context of managerial decisions. The first objective of this article is to present the literature based on the managers’individual characteristics. In the second part of the article, we study the influence of individual characteristics on the decision making of entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. Research data were obtained from a survey of hotel/restaurant managers of small- and medium-sized firms.
Financial Determinants of Corporate Bond Ratings: An Examination of Hotel and Casino Firms
Authors: Kim Hyunjoon , Gu Zheng
Published: March 2006

This study attempts to identify financial factors that affect bond ratings of hotel and casino firms by estimating a bond-rating prediction model. The ordinary least square model based on 5-year weighted average values of financial variables was able to correctly predict 60% of the bond ratings of hotel and casino firms rated by Moody’s. The model shows that number of times interest earned ratio, return on assets, and total assets have a significant impact on the bond rating of hotel and casino firms. The findings suggest that large hotel and casino firms with high return on assets and great debt service coverage tend to receive high bond ratings from Moody’s.
Developing and Rewarding Loyalty to Hotels: The Guest's Perspective
Authors: Tideswell Carmen , Fredline Elizabeth
Published: March 2006

With the changing focus of marketing in the hospitality industry having moved toward relationship marketing and establishing loyalty among customers, it is fundamental for hospitality and tourism organizations to establish what their consumers think in terms of strategies used by hotel properties to secure their loyal customer. This article outlines the results of research conducted with 2,000 5-star hotel guests to establish how frequent guests to two properties on the Gold Coast, Australia perceived the current effectiveness of the marketing strategies used to create guest loyalty. A market segmentation of the different levels of the so-called loyal guest is presented, and a gap analysis of existing versus preferred rewards for loyalty is discussed.
Repeated Measures Experimentation in Hospitality Research: A Brief Overview
Authors: Namasivayam Karthik
Published: March 2006

High internal validity and longitudinality of research projects are very important to ensure confidence in the results obtained. Experimental designs are highly recommended to ensure internal validity; repeated measures can aid in designing longitudinal studies. This article illustrates the use of repeated measures experimental design in hospitality research. Methodological implications are discussed.
Modeling Psychographic Profiles: A Study of the U.S. and Australian Student Travel Market
Authors: Reisinger Yvette , Mavondo Felix
Published: March 2006

The primary purpose of this article is to use a multiple group comparison in covariance structure to test the equivalence of a psychographic model of the student travel market across the two markets: the Australian and U.S. Path modeling is used to achieve this objective. The relationships between major psychographic factors such as cultural values, personality, travel motivation, preferences for activities and lifestyle are examined. A self-administered personally handed questionnaire received responses from 528 U.S. and 424 Australian undergraduate students. Several models are investigated to compare the regression coefficients across the two student groups to test the significance of differences. Significant differences were found in eight out of nine hypothesized paths. Thus, despite the model being conceptually equivalent for the two student groups, the strengths of relationships among the variables are different. The article concludes with a discussion of the research and marketing implications of the study.
Retention Tactics for Seasonal Employers: An Exploratory Study of U.S.-Based Restaurants
Authors: Reynolds Dennis , Merritt Edward A. , Gladstein Andrew
Published: March 2006

Research and current practice in many organizational settings suggest that high retention ratios result from positive work environments. For the majority of organizations with seasonal business, however, the employee retention issue is more complex. This exploratory study qualitatively examines various practices as identified by interviews with U.S.-based restaurant general managers that require a substantial number of seasonal employees. The objective was to formulate an organizing framework of approaches and to compare the various attributes with potential outcomes. The results allow us to identify several commonly used practices. These approaches can be categorized as follows: recruiting, orientation and training, separation management, and relationship maintenance and enhancement. Cost and application potential vary by category, and efficacy appears dependent on segment and situational variables.
The Relationship of Work-Family Conflicts and Family-Work Conflict to Job Satisfaction
Authors: Namasivayam Karthik , Mount Daniel J.
Published: March 2006

The issue of work-family conflict has been receiving increased attention in research. This research extends the literature by applying emerging work-family conflict theory in the hospitality industry. The research was done in seven hotels with a primarily Hispanic (91%) workforce. It was found that, expectedly, work-to-family conflict issues were related to lower job satisfaction. It was also found, quite unexpectedly, that family-to-work conflict issues were related to a higher job satisfaction. It is hypothesized that for this group— primarily lower-income Hispanics, work can be seen as a release from family conflict issues.
Spousal Conflict Level and Resolution in Family Vacation Destination Selection
Authors: Kang Soo K. , Hsu Cathy H. C.
Published: March 2006

The purposes of this study were to explore spousal interpersonal-conflict level and resolution modes used in determining a family vacation destination and to assess spouses’satisfaction about the destination selected and the process of how the decision was made. Data were collected from 149 husband and wife households that were visited by interviewers to obtain responses from both husbands and wives. The level of overall conflict between spousesin this study appeared to be moderate. Family life cycle (FLC) was significantly associated with conflict resolution strategies employed. The higher overall conflict exists between spouses, the more likely they employ information gathering as a conflict resolution mode. Information gathering and family discussion induced higher levels of satisfaction among couples. Implications for destination marketers and recommendations for future research were provided.
Theory of Planned Behavior: Potential Travelers from China
Authors: Lam Terry , Hsu Cathy H. C.
Published: March 2006

Tourist behavior theories have been the focus of research in many tourism studies, but how travelers’ behavioral intention in choosing a travel destination is developed has rarely been investigated. This study tested the fit of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with potential travelers from Mainland China to Hong Kong as the sample (n = 328). Results showed that data fitted the TPB model moderately well and explained respondents’traveling intention. Attitude, perceived behavioral control, and past behavior were found to be related to respondents’travel intention. Recommendations were provided for government and tourism bodies to market Hong Kong as a destination for Mainland Chinese travelers.
Toward a Shortened Measure of Organizational Climate in Tourism and Hospitality
Authors: Manning Mark L. , Davidson Michael C. G. , Manning Rana L.
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of a shortened, and therefore more conveniently applied, version of the seven dimension Tourism and Hospitality Organizational Climate Scale (THOCS). Responses to the revised instrument, the THOCS-R, from 400 employees of a single, large tourism organization were analyzed. Subscales of the THOCS-R demonstrated levels of reliability ranging from acceptable to high. Confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the notion that the THOCS-R reliably measured four dimensions of the original instrument. Analyses were also conducted to investigate whether the THOCS-R has any explanatory utility in the prediction of other organizational variables. Regression analyses found the four replicated climate dimensions to explain 19.36% of the variation in employee turnover intentions and 20.07% of the variation in employee perceptions of customer satisfaction. It was concluded that the THOCS-R reliably measures four dimensions of organizational climate in tourism employees and is potentially a useful tool to examine the impact of climate on organizational outcomes.
Strategic Issues and Determinant Factors of an Interorganizational Macroculture in the Lodging Industry
Authors: O’Neill John W. , Beauvais Laura L. , Scholl Richard W.
Published: March 2006

This article presents an empirical study of lodging industry executives’ beliefs regarding strategic issues that they consider to be most important. The authors theorize that fundamental factors exist indicating certain commonalties regarding executives’mental models about strategic issues.The possible influence of an industry macroculture is investigated as a source of similarity of mental models among executives competing in the lodging industry, and hypotheses are developed and tested regarding the sources of the macroculture. The results of an exploratory factor analysis indicate that among 20 potential strategic issues rated by executives in the study, 3 fundamental strategic directions exist. Furthermore, the results of the study indicate that professional journals, associations, conferences, and previous employment may be sources of the macroculture. Implications for research and practice are presented.
Differential Effects of Experience, Subjective Knowledge, and Objective Knowledge on Sources of Information used in Consumer Wine Purchasing
Authors: Dodd Tim H. , Laverie Debra A. , Wilcox James F. , Duhan Dale F.
Published: March 2006

The decision to consume wine has been associated with variables such as product involvement, variety seeking, demographic characteristics, experience, and sources of information. The purpose of this study was to examine the decision process for wine selection in different situations. Data were collected from a sample of wine consumers in Texas and a total of 632 completed responses were obtained. The questionnaire was designed to determine consumer experience, knowledge, and use of differential sources of information to make a purchase decision on wine purchased in a store for home consumption and wine purchased in a restaurant. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicate that usage experience forms the basis for subjective and objective knowledge. High levels of objective knowledge are related to using impersonal sources of information (wine guides, reviews, and advertising) to make purchasing decisions. An additional finding was that high levels of subjective knowledge are positively related to impersonal sources and the self (one's own preferences) and negatively related to using personal sources (friends, acquaintances, and sales personnel). These results and their implications for wine marketers are discussed.
Community Groups' Perceptions of and Preferences for Tourism Development: Evidence from Crete
Authors: Andriotis Konstantinos
Published: March 2006

Despite the increasing research on residents'attitudes toward tourism development, there is limited research on other community groups'perceptions of various tourism matters. The literature suggests that it is essential to appreciate community groups' perceptions and preferences because the measurement of these perceptions plays a vital role in the future success of a destination. As a result, this study was conducted to measure the perceptions of tourism development in three Cretan community groups: residents reliant on tourism employment, nonreliant residents, and tourism business people. The aim was to investigate whether, as social exchange theory suggests, tourism business people and reliant residents are more positive toward tourism and further tourism development due to their economic and/or employment dependency on tourism, and to use community perceptions as a guide for the future tourism development of the island. From the findings, it is evident that the three groups expressed a high degree of positivity toward tourism and tourism development, although there were some differences in their agreement for the types of tourists, facilities, and actions considered beneficial for the island.
Qualitative Study of Transfer of Training of Student Employees in a Service Industry
Authors: Rodríguez Claudia Mariana , Gregory Susan
Published: March 2006

It is estimated that organizations spend $200 billion annually on their workforce training. The focus of this qualitative exploratory study was to use Baldwin and Ford’s transfer of training model to explore which elements in the model would be perceived as most relevant by student front-line employees for transfer of training, which requires the transfer of information from trainer to trainee. Three focus groups made up of student workers from several dining service units on a university campus were used. Data were coded and analyzed according to the transfer of training model. Results in the three groups were similar. Three categories appeared recurrently and were perceived as relevant by the participants: on the job training, social support, and training content. Participants showed positive attitudes toward training, which was perceived as necessary. A relationship between the findings and the characteristics of Generation Y is suggested.
Lodging Demand for Urban Hotels in Major Metropolitan Markets
Authors: Canina Linda , Carvell Steven
Published: March 2006

Analyzing urban hotel properties located in major metropolitan markets during the 1989 to 2000 period, this study provides empirical evidence that various measures of current income, expectations of future income, the own price, and the price of substitutes, are statistically important factors influencing lodging demand at the property level. This study examines the relationship between lodging demand and these economic factors at the property level using a large cross section of properties and a long time horizon. The results show that income elasticities computed at the property level are significantly lower than those computed using aggregate lodging data. The results also show that the magnitude of the impact of GDP on lodging demand is similar to the magnitude of the sum of disposable personal income and corporate income. The relative magnitude of the impact of each of these economic factors on lodging demand varies across lodging market segments.
Progress in Convention Tourism Research
Authors: Yoo Joanne Jung-Eun , Weber Karin
Published: March 2006

Several studies in the hospitality field have analyzed academic journals to assess trends and suggest future directions of research. Despite its economic significance and rapid growth rate, convention tourism has received relatively little research attention. Furthermore, very little analysis has been conducted on the content of articles that examined this important industry sector. The purpose of this study is to determine the progress in convention tourism research to date by utilizing a content analysis on published articles in 14 academic journals, with the aim of identifying focus areas and providing future research directions.
Chinese Cross-Border Shopping: An Empirical Study
Authors: Lau Ho-fuk , Sin Leo Yat-ming , Chan Kelvin Kin-cheung
Published: March 2006

Shopping is one of the most enjoyable leisure-time activities for many tourists. It is, for some destinations, the primary reason for tourism. This article introduces a conceptual model on cross-border shopping built on the extant literature of outshopping, cross-border shopping, and border travel. The authors incorporate macro- and microanalytical factors that influence cross-border shopping behavior. It is hypothesized that market and consumer characteristics (i.e., macro and micro factors) affect cross-border shopping. The model has been tested with data collected from1,000 Hong Kong residents. Findings of this study confirmed that cross-border shopping behavior was affected by the macroenvironmental factors (market characteristics) of the shopping area and socioeconomic as well as motivational characteristics of the consumer (microanalytical factors). On the other hand, the impact of traveling distance between the tourist's place of residence and the shopping area on cross-border shopping was found to be nonsignificant. Implications for retailers and tourism-related institutions are discussed.
A Content Analysis of Consumer Complaints, Remedies, and Repatronage Intentions Regarding Dissatisfying Service Experiences
Authors: Susskind Alex M.
Published: March 2006

Building on existing research examining customers’ complaints about service experiences, this study examined restaurant consumers’ episode-specific reactions to service failures. In the first stage of this work, restaurant patrons were asked to describe a recent service experience where they complained about some element of the service they received. From these statements a coding scheme was developed to classify the consumers’ qualitative descriptions of the service episodes where they experienced a service failure and remedy. The consumers’ reports addressed three issues:(a) the issue that triggered the complaint, (b) the complaint remedy further broken down on two dimensions based upon the degree of correction and whether the remedy produced a positive or negative outcome, and (c) how (and if) the service failure and remedy influenced repatronage intentions. Following the content analysis and the coding of the critical incidents, logistic-regression analyses revealed that the extent to which a service failure is corrected is important to customer satisfaction and satisfaction with a specific service remedy is connected to a consumer’s desire to return to the restaurant.
Estimating the Effects of Micro-Location Variables and Game Characteristics on Slot Machine Volume: A Performance-Potential Model
Authors: Lucas Anthony F. , Dunn William T.
Published: March 2006

A performance-potential model explains 64% of the variation in the unit-level wagering volume of 166 slot machines located in a Las Vegas Strip casino. This study extends the extant gaming literature by narrowing the definition of a slot machine’s location and advancing new variables theorized to influence slot machine performance. Micro-location variables describing ceiling height, aisle locations, and the placement of a unit within a bank of machines all produce significant increases in unit-level performance. These results also have floor design implications related to increasing real capacity. In addition, slot signs fail to significantly affect coin-in levels, whereas the standard deviation of the pay-table and the top-award value produce significant and negative effects on performance. Casino executives are offered a performance-potential equation as an alternative evaluation tool beyond that of simplistic comparisons to categorical averages. The model specification is influenced by literature from the marketing, environmental psychology, performance-potential, and gaming disciplines.
A Preliminary Examination of Determinants of Ceo Cash Compensation in the U.S. Restaurant Industry from an Agency Theory Perspective
Authors: Kim Hyunjoon , Gu Zheng
Published: March 2006

A managerial compensation structure based on the pay-for-performance principle has been proposed as a better solution to the agency problem. Within the agency-theory framework, this study examined the determinants of cash compensation for chief executive officers (CEOs) of restaurant firms. After examining the financial data for 73 U.S. restaurant firms for 2002, the study found that restaurant CEO cash compensation was positively correlated with firm size and operating efficiency. Growth, debt leverage, profitability, and stock performance played no role in determining compensation. Large restaurant firms efficiently using assets tended to offer high cash compensation to their CEOs. Our findings have revealed that pay-for-performance was only partially practiced in the restaurant industry. To minimize the agency problem and enhance firm value, the industry should further tie CEO compensation to profitability and stock performance.
An Evaluation of a Contributionx-Enhancement Opportunity for Hotels
Authors: Choi Sunmee
Published: March 2006

This study tested the potential to increase contribution for hotels by applying a room inventory allocation method at the distribution level while accounting for varying costs of booking by channel. The purpose of the study was to answer two questions: (a) Does optimizing room inventory allocation at the rate, length of stay, and distribution channel produce any significant contribution enhancement for hotels, compared to the traditional effort at the level of rate and length of stay? (b) If it does, what are the operating characteristics of those hotels that benefit more than others? The proposed new approach was tested under 32 different simulated hotel-operating environments, which varied by five operating factors. The results show that the amount of contribution enhancement accomplished by the proposed approach varied by the hotel-operating environment, and hotels in 24 operating environments significantly benefited from the new approach.
Testing and Developing the Environment Risk Construct in Hospitality Strategy Research
Authors: Chathoth Prakash K. , Olsen Michael D.
Published: March 2006

The study of environment risk as a construct in strategy research has been mostly conducted in the context of events that occur in the environment of enterprises. Moreover, prior studies in hospitality strategy research have captured managers’ perceptions of their environment and its impact on firm business strategy, organizational structure, and performance. In this study, the authors develop an approach to model environment events by measuring the risk factors using indicators of a ratio scale and by testing the risk effects on the firm vis-à-vis corporate strategies, capital structure, and performance. The dimensions of the environment risk construct and their measures are developed and then tested with regard to their relationship to the performance of the firm.The results of this research suggest that proxies of environment risk account for a significant variation in the firm’s strategy and its performance.
The Effects of Image Congruence on Customers’ Brand Loyalty in the Upper Middle-Class Hotel Industry
Authors: Back Ki-Joon
Published: March 2006

This empirical article explores the effects of image congruence on customers’ postpurchasing behaviors, focusing specifically on customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in the lodging industry. Key findings indicate that social and ideal social image congruence has significant direct effects on customer satisfaction and indirect effects on attitudinal brand loyalty. The proposed model is tested following a systematic approach to mediation analysis as part of a structural equation modeling. Furthermore, the article discusses the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings as well as future research ideas.
An Analysis of Hospitality and Tourism Research: Institutional Contributions
Authors: Jogaratnam Giri , McCleary Ken W. , Mena Miguela M. , Yoo Joanne Jung-Eun
Published: March 2006

In recent times, the study of publications in major hospitality and tourism journals has increased considerably. Yet there have been several criticisms of these studies. The purpose of this study is to broaden the scope of publication analysis to include both hospitality and tourism journals, to include more journals, and to take a more international approach than was taken in other studies. This research examines research contributions to 11 leading hospitality and tourism journals from 1992 to 2001, the most recent 10-year period for which complete publication information was available. Findings are organized and reported according to author affiliation, repeat authorship, and research contributions from different regions of the world.
The Relationship between Leisure Outsourcing and Specificity: Performance and Management Perception in Hotels in the Canary Islands
Authors: Espino-Rodríguez Tomás F. , Gil-Padilla Antonia Ma
Published: March 2006

The objective of this article is to determine the factors that influence the outsourcing of leisure services in the hotel business. First, this work studies the relationship between the specificity of the hotel leisure activity and the activity’s performance depending on whether it is outsourced or retained in house. Second, the article analyzes the extent to which the perceived advantages can extend the strategy of outsourcing hotel leisure services. Third, the work analyzes the influence of outsourcing hotel leisure services on organizational performance. The results obtained indicate that there is a positive relationship between specificity and performance of the activity when it is carried out in house. They also show that the advantages that give this strategy greater potential for further use are related to greater concentration on core competences. On the other hand, it was shown that hotels that have outsourced leisure services have better organizational performance, especially nonfinancial.
Modeling Roles of Service Recovery Strategy: A Relationship-Focused View
Authors: Ok Chihyung , Back Ki-Joon , Shanklin Carol W.
Published: March 2006

This study proposed and tested a theoretical model consisting of antecedents and consequences of recovery satisfaction using a scenario experimentation (2 × 2 × 2 factorial design). Each participant was provided the same service failure (overcooked steak) scenario and one of the eight recovery scenarios. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses based on 286 cases. All three dimensions of justice had positive effects on recovery satisfaction. Recovery satisfaction had positive effects on trust and overall satisfaction. Trust had positive effects on commitment and overall satisfaction. Commitment had positive effects on overall satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Although a service failure might negatively affect customers’ relationship with the service provider, effective recovery can reinforce attitudinal and behavioral outcomes. The findings emphasize that recovery efforts should be viewed not only as a strategy to recover immediate satisfaction but also as a relationship tool to build long-term relationships with customers.
Stability of Inbound Tourism Demand Models for Indonesia and Malaysia: The Pre-and Postformation of Tourism Development Organizations
Authors: Tan Amy Y. F. , McCahon Cynthia , Miller Judy
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this study was to examine the stability of inbound tourism demand models for Indonesia and Malaysia as a function of increasing government intervention in tourism. Specifically, it investigated the differences in the estimated model parameters before and after formation of tourism development organizations at each destination. The major determinants included in the demand model were income, price, and time trend. The Wald test was applied to examine the possibility of a structural change in the tourism demand between the pre-and postorganization formation periods. The results support the hypothesis, thus important marketing implications for the tourism industries in Indonesia and Malaysia were discussed.
The Use of Narrative Appeals in Promoting Restaurant Experiences
Authors: Mattila Anna S.
Published: March 2006

Because consumers encounter numerous advertising messages from many sources and through various media, hospitality advertisers are increasingly concerned about the effectiveness of their messages. In this article, the author proposes that story-based communication or narratives might offer an attractive new avenue for advertising experiential services such as restaurants. The goal of this experimental investigation was to examine whether consumer expertise interferes with the relative effectiveness of story-based appeals in print advertisements portraying restaurants. Overall, this study’s results suggest that consumers with relatively low familiarity with a restaurant category might prefer appeals based on stories to appeals based on lists of service attributes. Moreover, narrative ads might elicit more emotional reactions toward the ad than ads employing a list format. Consumers with relatively high familiarity with the focal restaurant category, however, might be unaffected by the format of the information presentation.
The Use of Simulation in Hospitality as an Analytic Tool and Instructional System: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Feinstein Andrew Hale , Parks Sara J.
Published: March 2006

This review of the literature presents in-depth research pertaining to simulation modeling in the hospitality industry. The authors’intent is to expand the readers’knowledge about simulation modeling and to provide a more complete discussion of what is known about simulation theory in the hospitality literature. Furthermore, information is provided to assist decision makers, training professionals, and hospitality educators with theoretical and methodological suggestions specific to evaluating simulation’s effectiveness and to provide a framework for understanding the enormous contributions to the simulation literature that have been made during the past four decades. A chart of simulation, indicating definitions and applications, is provided. Two comprehensive tables describing and categorizing articles in this area are also provided. The research shows substantial use of simulation modeling in both hospitality operations and education. It further shows some major methodological shortcomings.
Cracks in the Glass Ceiling? An Empirical Study of Gender Differences in Income in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Sparrowe Raymond T. , Iverson Kathleen M.
Published: March 2006

Previous empirical research has substantiated the presence of significant gender-based differences in income within the hospitality industry. However, relatively little research has identified the extent to which the income gap is attributable to differences between men and women in educational preparation, part-time versus full-time employment, or occupation. Furthermore, previous research has relied on relatively small samples drawn from segments of the industry rather than on a true population sample of the industry as a whole from which to draw inferences. The authors examined whether there are gender differences in income when controlling for the effects of human capital (education), workforce participation, and occupational crowding among hospitality industry employees. Findings were drawn from a random sample comprising 1% of all of the employees of the hospitality industry in the United States. The authors found that gender-based income disparity persists, suggesting that more pernicious forms of sex discrimination continue in the industry.
Stock Price Reaction to Dividend Increases in the Hotel and Restaurant Sector
Authors: Borde Stephen F. , Byrd Anthony K. , Atkinson Stanley M.
Published: March 2006

This study assesses the stock price reaction to announcements of dividend increases by firms in the hospitality industry using a standard event study methodology. Results indicate that dividend increases are favorably received by market participants because a statistically significant positive market reaction is observed. Results of a cross-sectional analysis show that the size of the market reaction across firms is positively related to the magnitude of the dividend increase. These results imply that managers ought to carefully consider the ramifications of a change in dividend policy because such changes appear to be perceived as signals of the firm’s future financial condition.
Hospitality Recovery Strategies: Customer Preference versus Firm Use
Authors: Hoffman K. Douglas , Chung Beth G.
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use and effectiveness of service recovery strategies that are employed in the hospitality industry. More specifically, this research uses the critical incident technique to analyze approximately 750 recovery incidents in restaurant and hotel industries. Eleven recovery strategies are identified and assessed by comparing customer preference to firm use. In many instances, what customers want most is not what restaurants/hotels are necessarily implementing.
Modeling the Selection of High Customer-Contact Personnel: An Application of Behavioral Decision-Making Theory
Authors: Sirakaya Ercan , Kerstetter Deborah L. , Mount Dan
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this study is to explore the utility of behavioral decision-making theory in differentiating potential high customer-contact employees with passions for service and working with people from those who have motivation to work in positions that require less customer interaction. Specifically, a multiple criteria decision-making instrument was developed based on a set of performance and motivational criteria relevant to the hospitality industry. The data were gathered from a group of college students attending a hospitality school in the northeastern part of the United States. Although the research effort described in this study is exploratory in nature, the results revealed that application of behavioral decision theory is possible. The most prevalent motive for this sample of hospitality students in choosing high customer-contact jobs was their need for affiliation (n-Aff).
The Managerial Role Assessment Survey: Design and Test of an Instrument Measuring Mintzberg’s Roles among Hotel Managers
Authors: Mount Daniel J. , Bartlett A. L.
Published: March 2006

This article reports results of an instrument developed to measure Mintzberg’s roles among hotel managers. The instrument is shown to be a reliable and valid predictor of managerial performance. Implications for its application and further use are proposed.
Training and its Impact on Organizational Commitment among Lodging Employees
Authors: Roehl Wesley S. , Swerdlow Skip
Published: March 2006

Training is one of the key methods managers employ to control hospitality products and services. The purpose of this research was to examine the attitudes U.S. hotel employees have about the training that they have received and to test for a relationship between training and their commitment to the organizations. Other variables that addressed employee satisfaction, such as awareness of rules, morale, and perceived quality of management, were examined to assess if indirect effects occurred between training and organizational commitment. These results demonstrated that persuasive evidence speaks loudly to the necessity of implementing high-quality training programs. Training is consequential to the success of franchise lodging organizations because it has not only a direct positive relationship with morale, perception of supervisor quality, and awareness of rules but also a significant indirect effect on organizational commitment.
A Pancultural Study of Restaurant Service Expectations in the United States and Hong Kong
Authors: Becker Cherylynn , Murrmann Suzanne K. , Murrmann Kent F. , Cheung Gordon W.
Published: March 2006

The present study explored the relationship between cultural norms and customers’ expectations for service by means of a pancultural factor model of restaurant service expectations. A survey instrument was developed in a three-stage process using input generated from focus groups in both the United States and Hong Kong. The service encounter was the level of measure and the instrument emphasized the behavioral components of service. Data were collected from comparable samples in the United States and Hong Kong. A six-dimensional model of service expectations was generated. Subsequent analyses indicated that the two groups differed significantly in their assessments of importance for each of the six dimensions. The results provide meaningful implications for managing service quality and training customer contact employees.
The Use of Logit Analysis to Enhance Market Segmentation Methodology
Authors: Chen Joseph S. , Hsu Cathy H. C.
Published: March 2006

Due to the deficiencies of data analysis techniques used in market segmentation research, this study was an attempt to introduce two data analysis techniques—logistic regression and logit analysis—to provide an alternative approach to assess the uniqueness of each market segment. In this study, Korean outbound travelers were selected as a study population to demonstrate the enhancement of current market segmentation methodology. Destination choice preferences were used as the criteria for segmentation. The results from a cluster analysis revealed two mutually exclusive groups: frugal excursionists and privileged travelers. The characteristics of each group were discussed. The advantages of using logit analysis were reviewed in the conclusion section. For future studies, the refinement of the scale measuring destination choice preferences was advocated.
An Examination of Factors Affecting Service Recovery in a Restaurant Setting
Authors: Mattila Anna S.
Published: March 2006

This study contributes to the literature on service recovery. As in prior studies, service recovery was found to have a significant impact on consumer satisfaction. However, the results of this study suggest that service recovery strategies may not always be able to restore or exceed original customer satisfaction. The level of postrecovery satisfaction may depend on a number of factors, such as the magnitude of the service failure, the customer’s perception of the criticality of the consumption, and whether the service provider or the customer is first to notice the service failure.
An Empirical Analysis of Entrepreneurship and Performance in the Restaurant Industry
Authors: Jogaratnam Giri , Tse Eliza C. , Olsen Michael D.
Published: March 2006

Two interrelated objectives of this article are to establish empirically the construct of entrepreneurial strategic posture and to ascertain the predictive validity of its relationship to performance. In doing so, the entrepreneurial strategic postures associated with high and low performance among independent restaurants are explored and contrasted. Performance was designated as the dependent variable, and the dimensions of entrepreneurial strategic posture were treated as the independent variables. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire mailed to a random sample of 1,500 owners/general managers. The results suggest that certain competitive methods and business practices are more strongly related to high performers than low performers. Exploring relationships between entrepreneurial strategic posture and performance is of value, and it is timely given the mature as well as increasingly complex and uncertain environmental conditions faced by entrepreneurs in today’s ever more competitive economy.
The Eye of the Beholder: Hotel Company CEO Perceptions of Threats and Opportunities
Authors: Simons Tony , Namasivayam Karthik
Published: March 2006

The chief executive officers (CEOs) of 96 multisite, U.S.-based hotel owner/operator companies were interviewed and asked to describe the dominant upcoming threats and opportunities they perceived for their segment. Responses converged in describing two major threats (overbuilding and economic downturn) but were far more divergent in descriptions of opportunities. This pattern may emerge from the nature of threats and opportunities, from quirks of information dissemination and processing in the hotel industry, or from systematic biases in the perception of CEOs. Our data provide strong evidence of the impact of segment on threat and opportunity perceptions, as is appropriate to a rational model. Tests of potentially influential factors at the CEO and team levels provided no evidence of bias.
The Impact of Security Devices on Tourists’ Perceived Safety: The Central Florida Example
Authors: Milman Ady , Jones Foard , Bach Susan
Published: March 2006

This article describes an empirical study of central Florida’s tourists regarding their overall sense of perceived safety and the impact of various safety devices on their overall feelings of safety while on vacation. Although the 166 tourists sampled generally reported a sense of safety, previous exposure to crime had an impact on the perception of safety. Certain physical and behavioral devices such as deadbolt locks, closed-circuit TV cameras, door view ports, caller screening by telephone operators, locked side entrances into the hotel, and routine visits to the hotel by police provided tourists with a greater sense of safety and security. A regression model indicated that tourists’ overall perceptions of safety in central Florida were dependent on their perceptions of the safety of theme parks, certain hotel physical security devices, their level of education, and the routine visibility of law enforcement officers at hotels.
Traditional Versus Up-Front [18F] Fluorodeoxyglucose–Positron Emission Tomography Staging of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Dutch Cooperative Randomized Study
Authors: Herder Gerarda J.M. , Kramer Henk , Hoekstra Otto S. , Smit Egbert F. , Pruim Jan , van Tinteren Harm , Comans Emile F. , Verboom Paul , Uyl-de Groot Carin A. , Welling Alle , Paul Marinus A. , Boers Maarten , Postmus Pieter E. , Teule Gerrit J. , Groen Harry J.M.
Published: March 2006

Purpose

We investigated whether application of positron emission tomography (PET) immediately after first presentation might simplify staging while maintaining accuracy, as compared with traditional strategy in routine clinical setting.

Methods

At first presentation, patients with a provisional diagnosis of lung cancer without overt dissemination were randomly assigned to traditional work-up (TWU) according to international guidelines or early PET followed by histologic/cytologic verification of lesions, or imaging and follow-up. Patients with [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) –avid, noncentral tumors without suspicion of mediastinal or distant metastases on PET proceeded directly to thoracotomy. Follow-up in presumed benign lesions was at least 12 months. In patients treated with surgery or neoadjuvant therapy, the quality of staging was measured by comparing the clinical stage to the final stage (combination of peroperative staging and 6 months of follow-up). To investigate test substitution, we analyzed the number of (non)invasive tests to achieve clinical TNM staging, and its associated costs.

Results

Between 1999 and 2001, 465 patients (233 TWU, 232 PET) were enrolled at 22 hospitals. The mean (standard deviation) number of procedures to finalize staging was equal in the TWU arm and the PET arm: 7.9 (2.0) v 7.9 (1.9), P = .90, respectively. Mediastinoscopies occurred significantly less often in the PET arm. Agreement between clinical and final stage was good in both arms (κ = .85 v .78; P = .07). Costs did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

Up-front18FDG-PET in patients with (suspected) lung cancer does not reduce the overall number of diagnostic test, but it maintains quality of TNM staging with the use of less invasive surgery.
Micrometastases in Sentinel Lymph Node in a Multicentric Study: Predictive Factors of Nonsentinel Lymph Node Involvement—Groupe Des Chirurgiens De La Federation Des Centres De Lutte Contre Le Cancer
Authors: Houvenaeghel Gilles , Nos Claude , Mignotte Hervé , Classe Jean Marc , Giard Sylvie , Rouanet Philippe , Lorca Frédérique Penault , Jacquemier Jocelyne , Bardou Valérie Jeanne
Published: March 2006

Purpose

To determine the rate of nonsentinel lymph node (NSN) involvement at axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and predictive factors of this involvement following detection of micrometastasis in sentinel nodes (SN).

Methods

We analyzed 700 observations of SN micrometastases with additional ALND with the characteristics of the patients, tumors, and SN.

Results

Involvement of SN was diagnosed 388 times by serial sections (55.4%) with standard hemoxylin and eosin staining (HES) and 312 times solely on immunohistochemical analysis (IHC; 44.6%). The accurate size of the micrometastases was indicated in 488 cases: 301 larger than 0.2 mm (61.7%) and 187 ≤ 0.2 mm (38.3%). Ninety-four patients (13.4%) presented an NSN involvement with only one NSN involved in 62 cases (66%). Predictive factors of NSN involvement were in univariate analysis (pT stage [P < .000], menopausal status [P = .048], T stage [P = .006], grade [P = .013], lymphovascular invasion [LVI; P = .013], histologic tumor type [P = .017], and method of micrometastasis detection, by HES or IHC [P = .015]) and in multivariate analysis (pT stage ≤ or > 20 mm [odds ratio, 2.54], micrometastases detected by HES or IHC [odds ratio,1.734], presence or absence of LVI [odds ratio, 1.706]). Micrometastasis size ≤ or greater than 0.2 mm was not predictive.

Conclusion

This study confirms the value of serial sections and the vital role played by IHC in screening for small micrometastases. Omission of additional ALND may be envisaged with minimal risk for pT1a and pT1b tumors, and pT1a-b-c tumors corresponding to tubular, colloidal, or medullar cancers.