HRM-performance linkage and empowerment research in the service and
hotel industry
Due to service heterogeneity, a universal set of best HRM practices is hardly identifiable
in the sector and only some general tendencies can be disclosed. For instance, Lucas
(2004) emphasise the importance of such practices as selection, training, teamwork,
empowerment, and reward. Aung and Heeler (2001) argue that along with core
competencies of operations and marketing functions successful service delivery
necessitates such HR-related competencies of the customer-contact personnel as an
ability to establish a strong emotional bond with customers and tailor services to
customers’ needs and expectations, which in turn requires organisational empowerment.