Skip to main content

Human Resource Management, Strategic Leadership Development and the Greek Tourism Sector

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Tourism, Culture and Heritage in a Smart Economy

Abstract

Human resources management and strategic leadership development are considered essential in all economic sectors, aiming at the design of recruitment, retention and professional development practices of employees and the effective implementation of the strategic planning process. During recent years, in Greece, there has been a shift within the tourism industry towards high quality services including competitive customer service with fairly high-ranking position globally. Several questions arise as regards whether or not the applied strategies—or lack of certain strategies—respond to high quality service needs of tourism organizations and to the overall development of the tourism sector in Greece. A profound understanding of the need to design high-quality human resource management practices is vital for a comprehensive tourism strategic planning. Initially, in order to answer to all issues raised, the relevant literature has been reviewed. Subsequently, the paper describes the current situation of the Greek tourism sector and elaborates on HRM and strategic management concepts. It also examines service quality as an important prerequisite for attracting customers and as an essential strategic tool boosting tourism business performance.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Armstrong, M., & Long, P. (1994). The reality of strategic HRM. London: Institute of Personnel and Development. Retrieved from http://skillspanorama.cedefop.europa.eu/sites/default/files/EUSP_AH_Greece_0.pdf.

  • Aspridis, G. (2004). Human resource performance evaluation systems. Comparison in public and private sectors. Doctoral Dissertation, Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aspridis, G. (2007). Performance management in modern human resource management: How public sector can learn from private sector. Mytilene: University of Aegean.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aspridis, G., & Kyriakou, D. (2012). Human resource evaluation in hotel units. Management, 7(1), 17–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barney, J. B., & Wright, P. M. (1998). On becoming a strategic partner: The role of human resources in gaining competitive advantage. Human Resource Management (1986–1998), 37(1), 31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baumgartner, J. (2014). Benefits of employee empowerment for service quality and job satisfaction in the hospitality industry. Signature.

    Google Scholar 

  • Commission of the European Communities. (2009). New skills for new jobs: Anticipating and matching labour market and skills needs. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Courtis, P., & Mylonakis, J. (2008). A holistic approach of assessing and improving competitiveness in tourism: The case of Ionian Islands (Greece). Problems and Perspectives in Management, 6(3), 31–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • DDI (n.d.). Creating the conditions for sustainable innovation the leadership imperative. Development Dimensions International. Retrieved from http://www.ddiworld.com/ddi/media/trend-research/creatingtheconditionsforsustainableinnovation_tr_ddi.pdf.

  • Dekoulou, P., & Trivellas, P. G. (2014). Learning organization in greek advertising and media industry: A way to face crisis and gain sustainable competitive advantage. Procedia—Social and Behavioral Sciences, 147, 338–347.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeNisi, A. S., & Griffin, R. W. (2001). Human resource management. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dimitriadi, A. (2015). Europe’s dubious response to the refugee crisis. ELIAMEP Thesis. Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy-ELIAMEP. Retrieved from http://www.eliamep.gr/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/ELIAMEP-Thesis-1-2015_Ang.Dimitriadi1.pdf.

  • EU Skills Panorama. (2015) Prospects for Greece, analytical highlight. April 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Union Commission. (2003). Commission recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Official Journal of the European Union, 46, 36–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • GBR Consulting. (2011). Greek hospitality industry performance—3rd Quarter 2011. Gbr Hospitality Quarterly Newsletter.

    Google Scholar 

  • GBR Consulting. (2014). The Impact of the crisis on the Athens hotel industry.

    Google Scholar 

  • Giousmpasoglou, C. (2011). Managing the hotel managers: HRM practices in greek luxury hotels. Tourism in an Era of Uncertainty Rhodes Island, Greece 27–30 April 2011, 233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guest, D. E. (1987). Human resource management and industrial relations. Journal of Management Studies, 24(5), 503–521.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamel, G. (1996). Strategy as revolution. Harvard Business Review, 69–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamel, C., & Prahalad, C. K. (1989). Strategic intent. Harvard Business Review, May—June, 63–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • ITEP & HCH. (2013). Performance of Greek Tourism and developments in the basic figures of the Greek Hotel Market 2011 – 2012. Research Institute for Tourism & Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jafari, J., & Var, T. (1994). Human resources for tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 21(4), 847–848.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Juran, J. M. (1992). Juran on quality by design: The new steps for planning quality into goods and services. Simon and Schuster.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kandampully, J., Mok, C., & Sparks, B. (2001). Service quality management in hospitality, tourism, and leisure. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Hospitality Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kasavana, M. L. (2014). Managing front office operations with answer sheet (AHLEI) (9th Ed.). American Hotel & Lodging Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koufidou-Xyrotyri, S. (2010). Dioikisi Anthropinon Poron—Ktizontas ta themelia gia tin stratigiki ton anthropon [Human resources management—building foundations for people strategy]. Thessaloniki: Anikoula. [In Greek].

    Google Scholar 

  • Koutouzis, M. (1999). Genikes Arhes Management, Touristiki Nomothesia kai Organosi Ergodotikon kai Syloggikon Foreon [General Management Principles, Tourist Legislation and Organization of Employers and Collective Bodies] Patra: EAP. [In Greek].

    Google Scholar 

  • Lavlak, C., & Right, L. (2003). Marketing principles and services. Abolfazl Tajzadeh (trans): Semat Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mello, J. A. (2006). Strategic human resource management (2nd ed.). Ohio, United States: Thompson, South-Western.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naisbitt, J., & Aburdene, P. (1986). Re-inventing the corporation: Transforming your job and your company for the new information society. Warner Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearce, J. (2009). Strategic management formulation implementation and control (11th Ed.). Buxton: McGraw Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pizam, A. (2004). Are hospitality employees equipped to hide their feelings? International Journal of Hospitality Management, 23, 315–316.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Polychroniou, P. (2008a). Human resources management theory and practice: The impact on modern organizations. Advances in Management, 1(4), 16–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polychroniou, P. (2008b). Transformational leadership and work motivation in modern organizations: A critical analysis. Advances in Management, 1(3), 9–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polychroniou, P. (2009a). What about HRM? Advances in Management, 2(3), 3–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polychroniou, P. (2009b). Relationship between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership of supervisors: The impact on team effectiveness. Team Performance Management, 15(7), 343–356.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reklitis, P., & Trivellas, P. (2009) A comparison of TQM aspects in high and low performing Greek firms certified with ISO 9001:2000. International Conference on Tourism Development and Management, Kos, Greece.

    Google Scholar 

  • Riley, M. (2014). Human resource management in the hospitality and tourism industry. Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rutherford, D. G., & O’Fallon, M. J. (Eds.). (2007). Hotel management and operations. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Santouridis, I., & Trivellas, P. (2009). Investigating the mediation effect of satisfaction on the service quality and customer loyalty link: Empirical evidence from greek customers of internet shops, IEEE (pp. 2227–2231). (IEEM 2009).

    Google Scholar 

  • Santouridis, I., & Trivellas, P. (2010). Investigating the impact of service quality and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty in the mobile telephony sector in Greece. The TQM Journal, 22(3), 330–343.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarmaniotis, C., Assimakopoulos, C., Papaioannou, E., & Tilikidou, I. (2011). Construction of a measure of hotel management attitude towards customer-centric orientation. In: Proceedings of International Conference, Special Interest Tourism & Destination Managemen (pp. 27–30), Kathmandu.

    Google Scholar 

  • Soteriades, M., & Varvaressos, S. (2006). Quality service in hotel businesses. Centre International de Recherches et d’EtudesTouristiques, Collection Studies & Reports, SĂ©rie C, Volume C-8, Aix-en-Provence.

    Google Scholar 

  • Staikou, V., & Stergiou, D. (2015). The impact of the economic crisis on HRM among Five-Star hotels in Greece. Paper presented at the International Conference on Business & Economics of the Hellenic Open University 2015, Athens, 6–7 February 2015, Athens: HOU.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stavrinoudis, T. A., & El Chanoun, C. (2013). Human resources involvement in adapting Total Quality Management: The case of 4 and 5 star city hotels in Athens. Journal of Travel and Tourism Research, 13(1/2), 39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stavrinoudis, T., & Floras, M. (2012). Enhancing performance through innovative HRM practices and the role of business strategy. Evidence from Greek city hotels. In: 2nd International Scientilic Conference Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing and Management. Corfu: Democritus University of Thrace, Alexander Technological Institute of Thessaloniki, Washington State University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Theocharis, N. (2008). Hospitality and customer service in hotel enterprises. Paper presented at the International Scientific Conference S. E. F.—2, 24–26 September, Piraeus, Greece.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivellas, P. (2011). Work motivation and job performance of frontline employees: The mediating role of organizational commitment, IEEE (pp. 1878–1882), (IEEM 2011).

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivellas, P., & Dargenidou, D. (2008). Organisational culture, job satisfaction and higher education service quality. The case of Technological Educational Institute of Larissa, the TQM Journal, 21(4), 382–399.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivellas, P., & Dargenidou, D. (2009). Leadership and service quality in higher education: The case of the technological educational institute of Larissa. International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, 1(3), 294–310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trivellas, P., & Drimoussis, C. (2013). Investigating leadership styles. Behavioural and Managerial Competency Profiles of Successful Project Managers in Greece, Procedia—Social and Behavioral Sciences, 73, 692–700.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivellas, P., & Kakkos, N. (2015). Understanding the impact of procedural justice, job characteristics and resources on emotional exhaustion and its marketing-related implications, Anatolia. An International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 26(1), 45–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivellas, P., & Reklitis, P. (2014). Leadership competencies profiles & managerial effectiveness in Greece. Procedia Economics and Finance, 9, 380–390.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trivellas, P., & Santouridis, I. (2009). TQM and innovation performance in manufacturing smes, the mediating effect of job satisfaction, IEEE (pp. 458–462), (IEEM 2009).

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivellas, P., & Santouridis, I. (2016). Job satisfaction as a mediator of the relationship between service quality and organizational commitment in higher education. An Empirical Study of Faculty and Administration Staff, Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 27(1–2), 169–183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivellas, P., Reklitis, P., & Konstantopoulos, N. (2007). A dynamic simulation model of organizational culture and business strategy effects on performance. American Institute of Physics Conference Proceedings, 963(2), 1074–1078.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivellas, P., Akrivouli, Z., Tsifora, E., & Tsoutsa, P. (2015). The impact of knowledge sharing culture on job satisfaction in accounting firms. The mediating effect of general competencies, Procedia Economics and Finance, 19, 238–247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Sluijs, E., & Kluytmans, F. (1994). Business strategy and human resource management: Setting the scene. MERIT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vlachos, I. P. (2011). The effects of human resource practices on firm growth. Human Resource Management: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities, 108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warech, M., & Tracey, J. B. (2004). Evaluating the impact of human resources identifying what matters. Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 45(4), 376–387.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Workforce. (1994). HR leaders brainstorm the profession’s future. Retrieved from http://www.workforce.com/articles/hr-leaders-brainstorm-the-profession-s-future.

  • YOYNT, Ypourgeio Oikonomias, Ypodomon, Nautilias kai Tourismou. (2015). Epiptosis apo tis Roes Prosfygon sta Nisia toy Aigaiou. Synoptiki Ekthesi [Impact of Refugee Flows in the Aegean Islands, Summary Report]. [In Greek] Retrieved from http://www.mnec.gr/images/docs/Final_Report_-_17SEP2015.pdf.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dimitrios Belias .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this paper

Cite this paper

Belias, D., Trivellas, P., Koustelios, A., Serdaris, P., Varsanis, K., Grigoriou, I. (2017). Human Resource Management, Strategic Leadership Development and the Greek Tourism Sector. In: Katsoni, V., Upadhya, A., Stratigea, A. (eds) Tourism, Culture and Heritage in a Smart Economy . Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47732-9_14

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics