COVID-19-induced redundancy and socio-psychological well-being of tourism employees: implications for organizational recovery in a resource-scarce context

Kimbu, A. N., Adam, I., Dayour, F. and de Jong, A. (2023) COVID-19-induced redundancy and socio-psychological well-being of tourism employees: implications for organizational recovery in a resource-scarce context. Journal of Travel Research, 62(1), pp. 55-74. (doi: 10.1177/00472875211054571)

Abstract

Drawing on social and psychological well-being literature underpinned by the concept of resilience, this study examines the impact of COVID-19 induced redundancy on the socio-psychological well-being of redundant employees (laid-off or working reduced hours), and its effect on their commitment to work and support recovery in the tourism industry. Utilizing a quantitative-dominant mixed methods design, 457 questionnaires were administered, and 15 interviews conducted with redundant employees in Ghana between May and August 2020. Results from a binary logistic regression analysis of the survey data supported by qualitative interview analysis indicate that marital status, education, status of dependents, and the types of tourism businesses employed in, significantly influenced psychological well-being while marital status, age, education, and rank in the organization influenced the social well-being of respondents. Meanwhile, psychological well-being significantly influenced future work commitment in the industry. Managerial implications for supporting employee resilience, well-being, and future recovery strategies are critically examined.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: COVID-19, employee redundancy, social and psychological well-being, post-pandemic recovery, sub-Saharan Africa.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: de Jong, Dr Anna
• Authors: Kimbu, A. N., Adam, I., Dayour, F., and de Jong, A.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: Journal of Travel Research
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 0047-2875
• ISSN (Online): 1552-6763
• Published Online: 02 November 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Travel Research 62(1): 55-74
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License