Measuring hotel employee perceived job risk: Dimensions and scale development

Abstract

Purpose – The main purpose of this study was to identify the dimensions of hotel employees’ job risk perceptions and develop a measurement scale for this construct. Design/methodology/approach – Four studies using a mixed-method design were conducted to develop and validate the scale of hotel employees' perceived job risk (HEPJR). Study 1 identified the dimensions and initial items of HEPJR through a literature review and in-depth interviews. In Study 2, an explanatory factor analysis was performed to refine the preliminary items. Study 3 further refined the HEPJR scale through a confirmatory factor analysis. Study 4 confirmed that HEPJR is a 19-item scale through a cross-validation analysis. Findings – A reliable and valid scale was developed to measure the following five dimensions of HEPJR: perceived human, equipment, internal and external environmental, and management risks. HEPJR and its dimensions significantly predict negative safety consequences and negative job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – Employees in medium- and high-star-rated hotels in China were surveyed. Future research should test the HEPJR scale in other types of lodging formats (e.g., budget hotels, homestays, or cruise ships) and different countries or regions. Practical implications – Given the increasingly serious job risks faced by hotel employees, the HEPJR scale can become a benchmark for job risk identification, accident prevention, and safety management. Originality/value – This scale provides a clear conceptualization and an appropriate measurement tool of HEPJR from a risk-source perspective.