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Demand fluctuations, labour flexibility and productivity

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  • Park, Sangwon
  • Yaduma, Natina
  • Lockwood, Andrew J.
  • Williams, Allan M.

Abstract

There is a dearth of studies analysing the relationship between demand variations, productivity and flexible working in the face of variable demand challenges confronting the tourism industry. This investigation seeks to inform important firm and industry specific labour management strategies for improving productivity. Using data for 43 medium sized hotels owned by two chains in the UK, this paper analyses productivity in relation to external (demand variations) and internal (labour management) conditions over an 8year period from 2005 to 2013. The paper’s findings show that demand variation is the principal determinant of productivity. Numerical, functional and zero-contract hour flexible labour management also contributes to labour productivity. Significant differences in findings between establishments and departments indicate the importance of disaggregated analyses.

Suggested Citation

  • Park, Sangwon & Yaduma, Natina & Lockwood, Andrew J. & Williams, Allan M., 2016. "Demand fluctuations, labour flexibility and productivity," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 93-112.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:anture:v:59:y:2016:i:c:p:93-112
    DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2016.04.006
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    2. Francisco Javier Sáez-Fernández & Ignacio Jiménez-Hernández & María del Sol Ostos-Rey, 2020. "Seasonality and Efficiency of the Hotel Industry in the Balearic Islands: Implications for Economic and Environmental Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-17, April.
    3. Anna Dóra Sæþórsdóttir & C. Michael Hall & Þorkell Stefánsson, 2019. "Senses by Seasons: Tourists’ Perceptions Depending on Seasonality in Popular Nature Destinations in Iceland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-18, May.
    4. Minwoo Lee & Miyoung Jeong & Linda J Shea, 2021. "Length of stay control: Is it a fair inventory management strategy in hotel market?," Tourism Economics, , vol. 27(2), pages 307-327, March.
    5. Veronica Leoni & David Boto-García, 2023. "The Effect of Natural Disasters on Hotel Demand, Supply and Labour Markets: Evidence from the La Palma Volcano Eruption," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 86(4), pages 755-780, December.
    6. Dehui Christina Geng & John L. Innes & Wanli Wu & Weiwei Wang & Guangyu Wang, 2021. "Seasonal Variation in Visitor Satisfaction and Its Management Implications in Banff National Park," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-17, February.

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