Microsoft Word 2007 ichrie conference Proceedings Final-Final 06-06-07. doc

Success as a Hospitality Administrator 
Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding factors that may or may not contribute to the 
success of being a hospitality administrator. The scale was from one to five, with one being ‘Extremely Important.’ 
Over half of the respondents believe that having a 
doctoral degree
is “Very Important” (54.1%, mean = 1.84); where 
as 60.8% (mean = 1.47) believe that 
industry experience
is “Very Important” to the success as a hospitality 
administrator. In regards to 
general
teaching and research experience necessary to be a successful hospitality 
administrator, the respondents believed teaching experience is “Very Important” (44.3%, mean = 1.66) as opposed 
to research experience being “Very Important” (32%, mean = 2.00). More specifically, respondents felt ‘hospitality 
teaching experience’ was “Very Important” (50%, mean = 2.03) as opposed to ‘hospitality research experience’ 
(37.8%, mean = 2.57).
Respondents believe that as a head of a program, it is “Important” to serve on Industry Association Boards 
(50%; mean = 2.03) and Academic Association Boards (55.6%; mean = 2.31). Interestingly, however, respondents 
believe it is “Extremely Important” to serve on the industry associations (28.9%, mean = 2.03) as opposed to the 
academic associations (15.6%, mean = 2.31). Finally, 70% of the respondents had applied for their academic 
position as opposed to being recruited from the industry (30%). Also, 20% of the respondents were alumni of the 
university of which they are currently employed.