Local Vs Foreign: Who Reigns Supreme? A Study On Perception Of Employers On Employee Possession Of Skills And Knowledge In Maldivian Resort Sector.
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Abstract
This study examines the perceptions of hiring managers in the Maldivian tourism industry regarding the differing competencies and knowledge levels of local and foreign employees. Data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to 175 high-ranking managers and directors responsible for making hiring decisions. In addition to descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing using the independent samples Kruskal-Wallis Test, based on the respondents’ nationality, was employed. Descriptive data analysis reveals that local workers excel in teamwork and collaboration skills and possess a greater depth of industry-specific knowledge compared to their foreign counterparts. Further investigation, considering nationality of the hirer, indicates that managers from foreign nationalities share a perspective that local employees have lower levels of competence and knowledge compared to foreign employees. This perception may help explain the lower rate of local employment within the industry