Just‐in‐time labour supply in the hotel sector: The role of agencies

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to propose possible solutions to the characteristically erratic demand fluctuations in the hotel sector by applying just‐in‐time (JIT) philosophy through the development of relationships with employment agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study data was collected within seven London four‐star or five‐star hotel housekeeping departments and their associated external labour suppliers, the employment agencies, using in‐depth interviews, followed by documentary research and observation.

Findings

Points to a future interest in how to create and maintain good relations between three actors, in terms of the company, the recruitment industry and staff. This triangular relationship requires further empirical study in order to assess more fully the applicability of JIT principles to HRM in the hotel sector.

Originality/value

Identifies a range of human resource strategies which both build on and go beyond the models traditionally associated with the manufacturing context.

Citation

Lai, P. and Baum, T. (2005), "Just‐in‐time labour supply in the hotel sector: The role of agencies", Employee Relations, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 86-102. https://doi.org/10.1108/01425450510569328