The Influence Of Work-Integrated Learning On Job Satisfaction And Motivation: Profiling The Hospitality Management Alumni Of Central University Of Technology, Free State (Cut)

Abstract

A large and growing body of literature has investigated work-integrated learning, job satisfaction and motivation among hotel employees. However, far too little attention has been paid to the link between university alumni, work-integrated learning, current job satisfaction and motivation. Work-integrated learning provide students with the opportunity to learn generic employability skills, which are also highly valued by the industry and employers. To be relevant, the generic employability skills should be contextualised and situated in the appropriate industry and professional workplace setting. Work-integrated learning directs students to be intentionally exposed to real work situations that translates into social and economic value. Job satisfaction and motivation is of extreme importance in the hospitality industry that is a very demanding and labour-intensive industry. The study applied a quantitative research approach and a structured questionnaire was administered to the hospitality alumni of CUT. Ninety-four respondents completed the questionnaire and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to investigate the relationships between the variables. The main objective of the study was to report on the effect of WIL on the job satisfaction and motivation of hospitality alumni. The findings confirm that WIL is an effective strategy for graduates to cultivate the soft skills they need to work in industry as well as to prepare them for the world of work. The study also confirms that WIL had a positive effect on both the job satisfaction and motivation of alumni that studied hospitality management.