Employee Motivation in the Tourism Sector: A Study of Alappuzha District, Kerala

Sreejith Nair; B Selvaveerakumar; M Thiagarajan

doi:10.34293/commerce.v14i2.10043

Sreejith Nair Ph.D. Scholar in Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4693-743X
B Selvaveerakumar Research Supervisor and Associate Professor, Department of Business Administration Sri Meenakshi Government Arts College for Women (A), Madurai https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3809-1254
M Thiagarajan Research Supervisor and Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Business Administration Alagappa Government Arts College, Karaikudi https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5575-5385

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34293/commerce.v14i2.10043

Keywords: Employee Engagement, Tourism Workforce, Job Security, Organisational Support, Alappuzha District, Kerala

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the major motivational factors influencing employee engagement and service commitment among tourism employees in the Alappuzha district, Kerala. It also explores the relative importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational variables in shaping employee attitudes and performance. It also explores the relative importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational variables in shaping employee attitudes and performance.
Methodology: A descriptive research design was adopted. Primary data were collected from 120 employees working in hotels, resorts, travel agencies, and houseboat services using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Reliability of the instrument was confirmed through Cronbach’s Alpha. Percentage analysis, mean ranking, and correlation analysis were used to interpret the data.
Results: Communication, employee participation, and organisational culture also positively influenced employee engagement. Although important, monetary rewards ranked lower than psychological and developmental factors. Monetary rewards were important but ranked lower than psychological and developmental factors. Correlation analysis indicated that supportive leadership and skill development have a strong positive relationship with employee engagement.
Conclusion: Such an approach can improve employee engagement, service commitment, and long-term organisational performance, thereby supporting sustainable tourism development in the Alappuzha district. Such an approach can improve employee engagement, service commitment, and long-term organisational performance, thereby supporting sustainable tourism development in Alappuzha District.
Future Research: Future studies may focus on comparative analyses across different tourism destinations, longitudinal examinations of motivation and engagement, and the role of digitalisation and organisational innovation in enhancing employee motivation in the tourism sector.