Management Shadowing for Developing Hospitality Managerial Competencies through Experiential Learning

Abstract

Structured Management Shadowing Program supports the development of managerial competencies among undergraduate hospitality students. This empirical research utilizes deductive thematic analysis based on weekly reflection reports of shadows and evaluates the development of hospitality managerial competencies through the lens of experiential learning stages. The thematic analysis reveals that shadows engaged most strongly in reflective observation, followed by concrete experience, while abstract conceptualization and active experimentation appeared less frequently throughout 13-week shadowing process. Competency development is most effective in terms of self-management, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving, suggesting that shadowing particularly strengthens shadow’s ability to reflect on professional behaviour, self-management, and navigate interactions at workplace. The results also reveal a developmental progression over 13-week period such as: beginning with basic interpersonal engagement, moving on to adaptive problem-solving, and gradually demonstrating more strategic and analytical thinking competencies. These findings support that structured Management Shadowing Program serves as an effective experiential learning platform in hospitality education and improving students’ readiness for professional employability.