Abstract
This study examines the neurodiversity inclusion practices of the top 10 global hotel chains, offering a best practices analysis of their employment strategies and corporate initiatives. As the hospitality industry increasingly recognizes the value of neurodivergent talent, assessing current practice is crucial for advancing inclusive employment. Our research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of hotel job postings and corporate communications with qualitative assessment of public initiatives and partnerships. We developed a coding scheme based on evidence-based neurodiversity-friendly practices to evaluate job descriptions, accommodation mentions, sensory environment information, and neurodiversity program references. The study quantifies the prevalence of neurodiversity-inclusive language in job postings and corporate reports, while also conducting a thematic analysis of neurodiversity initiatives. Our comparative analysis identifies hospitality industry leaders and laggards in neurodiversity inclusion, considering regional variations and how local practices inform global strategies. Preliminary findings suggest variable practice of neurodiversity inclusion in employment practices. We also observe how successful local initiatives in specific properties or regions are (or, are not) being adapted and scaled to inform company-wide policies. Significant variations exist across companies and regions, indicating opportunities for improvement and knowledge transfer. This research contributes to the emerging field of neurodiversity studies in hospitality management and provides actionable insights for hotel chains seeking to enhance their neurodiversity inclusion practices globally by leveraging local successes. The findings have implications for human resource management, corporate social responsibility, and the overall guest experience in the global hospitality industry, demonstrating how localized best practices can drive worldwide organizational change.
Presenters
Rikki AbzugProfessor of Management, Anisfield School of Business, Ramapo College of New Jersey, New Jersey, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Tourism and Leisure Industries
KEYWORDS
Neurodiversity, Inclusion, Employment, Hotel
