PRAXIS: The determining element of innovation behavior in the hospitality industry

Innovation has emerged as an essential component of organizational success in the 21st century. Nonetheless, empirical research around innovation in the hospitality industry remains limited; especially in relation to small island tourist destinations like Cyprus. Responding to this emerging need, the study investigates the role of human capital - managerial employees (n = 425) - as it relates to innovation initiatives in the hospitality workplace. Three hypotheses are postulated and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling, a multivariate statistical analysis technique, to broaden conceptual horizons regarding the relationship between perceived organizational innovation culture and support, and the informed innovation-specific actions of employees, as well as their resultant behavior. The results suggest that praxis, which is defined as action informed by theory and experiences, is a vital element of innovation behavior in the hospitality industry. The resultant findings and implications are of interest to both academic and professional stakeholders in hospitality.