Exploring the nexus between workplace discrimination and psychological distress within tourism agencies and hotels: The mediating role of employee well-being moderating role of organizational support

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Hotel studies department Faculty of Tourism and Hotels - Fayoum University

2 Tourism studies department Faculty of Tourism and Hotels - Fayoum University

3 Tourism studies department Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Fayoum University

Abstract

The current research aims to investigate the potential impact of workplace discrimination on psychological distress among employees working at A-class tourism agencies and four-star hotels. This research also examines the mediating role of employee well-being and the moderating role of organizational support. A web-based questionnaire was used to obtain responses from 365 front-office employees in A-class tourism agencies and 316 other employees within four-star hotels in Giza Governorate. Findings confirmed that workplace discrimination reduces employee well-being, increasing their levels of psychological distress. Using a multi-group analysis, results revealed a negative and significant impact of workplace discrimination on employee well-being in favor of the tourism agency sample. Otherwise, employee well-being is negatively and significantly affected by psychological distress in favor of the four-star hotel sample. Further, organizational support mitigated the negative effect of workplace discrimination on employee well-being in favor of the tourism agency sample. Findings recommend workplace inclusion and equality policies to reduce discrimination and improve employee well-being in tourism agencies while providing psychological support and career training programs to foster a sense of fairness. It also enhances organizational support through incentive initiatives and clear anti-discrimination measures. Hence, this will help mitigate its negative impact on employees in the tourism sector. Furthermore, this research recommends developing strategies to enhance employee well-being (e.g., providing recreational programs) that reduce psychological distress levels in hotel establishments. Hotel management should also monitor stressors and provide proactive support to employees (e.g., psychological counseling and flexible work schedules) to ensure more comfortable and productive workplaces.

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