Bad jobs or good jobs: Searching for dignity in tourism and hospitality work in Japan

2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K17981
• Research Institution: Kansai Gaidai University
• Principal Investigator: YOO KateInyoung 関西外国語大学, 外国語学部, 准教授 (10834773)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2026-03-31
• Keywords: Hospitality / Employment / Decent work / Workplace dignity

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

During the facial year 2022, the principal investigator collected data from hotel workers (temporary workers). The research participants submitted their work reports which are like a diary format written daily basis by the workers. These collected data will be analysed adopting content analysis technique. Also as proposed, research collaborators Prof. Tom Baum from University of Strathclyde and Dr Hiroaki Saito gathered at Kansai Gaidai University in Jan 2023 to further the current research project.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

The principal investigator is currently working on data analysis and writing up the findings. This work will be completed during the current facial year. Meanwhile, the principal investigator and Prof. Baum (collaborator) made a contribution to a book chapter about “Tourism Policy-Making in the Context of Contested Wicked Problems” which is expected to be published this year. In December this year, the principal investigator and collaborators are planning to attend TTRA APAC conference to present our project findings.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

As proposed, the principal investigator will visit Okinawa in August this year in collaboration with the University of Ryukyus to further the current research project. The visit aims to meet hotel workers in the regional location where tourism is a seasonal business which affects the life of hotel workers. Their position at work is much more precarious than hotel workers in central cities such as Osaka and Tokyo. Data collection will be pursued during the visit - mainly by interviewing hotel workers to understand their work and life. The Uni of Ryukyus will assist in meeting with local hotel workers and interviewing them. These findings will likely offer another angle to the current research project.

Causes of Carryover

During the fiscal year 2022, 2/3 of expenses were used for hosting the research collaborators from the UK and from Oita prefecture and conducting research activities during their visit. The rest of expenses used for purchasing required products for the project and paying remuneration for a research assistant.