Exploring the Factors Contributing To the Motivation of Hospitality Management Learners At A Selected Higher Education Institution In Botswana

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors contributing to low motivation of the hospitality management learners at a selected higher education institution in Botswana. The study adopted a positivist approach accompanied by a cross sectional survey research design and a quantitative research methodology where data was collected through a questionnaire. The study population comprised 189 hospitality management students at Botho University (BU) from year 1 to year 4. Data was collected from a sample of 128 learners who were selected using probability sampling in the form of simple random sampling. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) which produced descriptive statistics (mean, percentages, correlation) and inferential statistics (analysis of variance (ANOVA and regression analysis). The findings of the study revealed that aspects of the learning environment at BU that demotivated learners were poor internet access, limited library operating hours, absence of cafeterias, inadequate security and large class sizes. The results also identified some aspects of teacher behaviour that negatively affected learner motivation such as failure to support and inspire students, lack of patience with learners, failure to provide timely feedback to learners and poor delivery skills. Elements of pedagogical strategies that the respondents found to be demotivating included low quality of academic advising, limited presentations and failure to deliver curriculum that was relevant to the industry needs. Based on these findings, the study recommends that BU should expand available resources to the learners such as library books, computers, cafeterias, reading classrooms and high-speed Wi-Fi. The university should also come up with incentives that motivate teachers so that they give their best to the learners.