Antecedents of Job Performance of Tourism Graduates: Evidence from State University-Graduated Employees in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Despite the rapid growth of tourism higher education in the past 40 years, uncertainties remain about the content and nature of tourism degrees and their alignment with tourism industry needs. This study aims to identify the impact of tourism education on job performance of tourism graduates. Self-administered questionnaire fielded across the Island secured 260 public sector university tourism graduates' response. Data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling in Smart-PLS-3. The study showed a positive moderate impact from tourism education on the job performance. Learning outcomes have a moderate positive relationship on job performance. Tourism graduates showed optimistic perception about the tourism education in meeting industry requirements. As the recommendations tourism curriculum must be well planned and enriched with supplementary practical exposure. The faculty members must provide a great support for the undergraduates in accomplishing their carrier objectives and the learning outcomes. Conducive learning environment should be facilitated to reach learning outcomes smoothly. The theoretical contribution of the study lies in the proposed model which elucidates the antecedents of job performance of tourism graduates. Empirically the study contributes for educators and policy makers on tourism education to make their programmes and policies more relevant.