Why hospitality sector needs women leaders to ensure continuous growth?

The rise of women leaders and entrepreneurs across different sectors and industries in India is quite phenomenal. It is reported that around 20.37% of MSMEs in India are led by women entrepreneurs. The number of women start-up owners is also increasing at a rapid pace. The role of female leaders in different sectors, including hospitality, is quite well-illustrated. It is anticipated that the sector will continue enjoying a double-digit growth in the next few years, thereby giving an excellent opportunity for young and dynamic female entrepreneurs to enter the segment with innovative services (directly and indirectly). 

With the overall number of women shattering the glass ceiling in the industry and breaking all industrial and societal stereotypes, it is critical for the growth of the hospitality sector that women leaders acquire and retain some of the most challenging decision-making roles. 

Hospitality sector has a significant scope of more women decision-makers

As mentioned before, there has been a massive increase in the number of female decision-makers in all sectors. The situation in the hospitality industry is also similar, but there is still a significant gap when it comes to women reaching the top managerial positions. As per a report, only one woman compared to twenty men reached the CEO position in the top hotels of the country.

It is not just the case with the Indian hospitality sector but a rather unfortunate trend worldwide. It is comparatively easier for women to reach the manager, director, and vice president level. However, surpassing these levels is quite a challenge. As the number of women decision-makers increases, it will also help address the gender bias in general employment within the sector, which has been discussed in the next point. 

Women leaders can help in addressing gender bias in the sector

As top hotels and restaurants in the country continue to employ more female staff than ever, there is still a significant gap in the gender ratio. It is anticipated that the total percentage of women employees (in all positions) in the hospitality industry is around 30-35% in India. 

With the rise of the women decision-makers in the top hotels, the overall gender bias will significantly reduce. When women managers climb up the organisational hierarchy, they realise that there are no roles in the sector that cannot be performed effectively (if not better) by female workers and leaders. 

Female leaders are more constructive than their male counterparts

The hospitality sector has evolved rapidly, especially in a post-Covid world. With the number of female leaders in the sector increasing, reports indicate that the performance of such decision-makers is superior to their male counterparts, especially in problem-solving and dispute resolution. With the top hotels and restaurants looking to diversify the workforce and top management, it is imperative that the overall role of the females will help in more constructive management of affairs at all levels. 

Making the work culture of a hotel more accommodating 

The impact of female leaders helps in creating a pivotal shift in the organisational culture of a hotel or restaurant. In the hotels where female leaders take up top management positions, it is witnessed that the overall work culture is more inclusive and nurturing. There are various success stories of women transforming the fate of a hotel by making significant changes in the internal management processes. The leadership styles of female CEOs in the top hotels are democratic and transformational, thereby helping create an overall positive work environment. 

Summing up

The rise of women leaders in the hospitality sector presents a transformative opportunity not only for the industry's growth but also for fostering a more inclusive and dynamic work culture. As women continue to break barriers and assume top managerial positions, their unique perspectives and leadership styles will undoubtedly shape the future of hospitality. By championing diversity, addressing gender bias, and promoting constructive management practices, female leaders are paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous hospitality industry, poised to meet the challenges of tomorrow with innovation and inclusivity.

Author Bio: Rubina Sharma is EAM Room and Business Development, Eros Hotel, Nehru Place, New Delhi