Pearson New International Edition International pcl tp indd 1

Nonmanagement Positions
What kind of general responsibilities and skills are important for those in nonman-
agement positions in the front office? Figure 9 provides some answers to this ques-
tion. As noted in the discussion about management positions, the general responsi-
bilities and skills listed apply to other hotel positions, to positions in other segments
of the hospitality industry, and to positions in most profit and nonprofit businesses
and organizations.
Figure 10 provides an overview of job tasks for common nonmanagement posi-
tions in the front office. (Recall that the positions are keyed to the rooms division for
the mega hotel outlined in Figure 6). The job specifications for many of these posi-
tions often require a minimal amount of education and experience. They are, then,
entry-level positions. Contrary to a common stereotype, an entry-level position is not
the same as a dead-end position. Individuals who want a career in the hotel industry
may begin while they are in high school or in a postsecondary program. Over time,
especially with proper mentoring, they may gain experience in several positions and
plan a career ladder that will allow them to move up in the front office department
and into general management positions within a hotel organization.
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