Exploring the vital role of human resource management in the progress of Uzbekistan’s tourism sector

Abstract

The tourism sector has enormous potential to positively impact the socio-economic dimension of Uzbekistan. The nation is ready to take advantage of globalization as a central theme and in this process, human resources will play a crucial role. In this research, the authors have delved into the status and problems of human resources and provided a managerial pathway to success. This research study includes both primary and secondary methods of research. We analyzed various reports on human resources from developmental and international organizations to understand the existing structures and gaps in Uzbekistan. This work formed the theoretical background for mixed-method research (MMR). For the qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders to obtain a real picture of the tourism sphere. To support the findings from the interviews and to provide a quantitative analysis a total of 55 companies were surveyed through online questionnaires. The data has been analyzed and presented in the form of pie charts answering the research questions. The statistical findings of this research are unique in nature as such research has never been performed in Uzbekistan. The authors found that human resources management is missing amongst the stakeholders and has led to low profitability in the sector. The results are presented in line with the stakeholder collaboration theory which makes this practice-based research. As the world now reopens to trade and travel, it will be vital to direct the efforts in a structured way to harness the potential of this sector for socio-economic progress.

Keywords

• Emerging economies
• human resource management
• tourism sector
• digitization
• socio-economic development
• human resource analytics