The impact of coping strategies on occupational stress and turnover intentions among hotel employees

Abstract

This study examined the impact of problem solving, social support and avoidance as coping strategies on occupational stress and turnover intentions among hotel employees. Using a sample of 455 employees from seven hotels in Shandong Province, China, the study found that problem solving as a coping strategy predicts lower levels of occupational stress. Both social support and avoidance strategies were found to increase occupational stress instead. Occupational stress was positively correlated with hotel employees’ intentions to leave and the study furthermore clarified the role of occupational stress as an important mediator in the relationship between coping strategies and turnover intentions. Implications for hotel human resource management practices are discussed.