Managerial Training Needs: A Study of Spanish Tourism Organisations

Abstract

The general aim of this study is to analyse training needs of managers in tourism organisations from the Valencian region (eastern Spain), by using qualitative methodology (focus groups composed of key respondents from Valencian tourism). A topic analysis of the focus groups' content was conducted by means of the NUD.IST 3.0 categorisation program. The information obtained has been interpreted according to the main premises of the theoretical model: organisation-job-person (McGehee and Thayer, 1961; Goldstein, 1993). Moreover, due to the wider scope of this paper, an additional analysis level — economic sector — has been included. The results show a strategy of training needs analysis and managerial training needs which focus mainly on organisational aspects. Specifically, new technologies, social changes and quality control systems are the organisational challenges and goals with the greatest training needs. The limitations of the study and future research directions are discussed.