“Thriving at Work” in Tourism and Hospitality: An integrative Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

Despite the fast-growing scholarship, Thriving at Work (TAW) investigations in tourism and hospitality remain fragmented, failing to capture the full range of factors and context-specific conditions influencing TAW experiences. This study aims to address these gaps by developing a comprehensive framework that conceptualizes TAW within the unique context of tourism and hospitality, mapping out knowledge of what TAW entails and how it can be effectively nurtured in these sectors. Through an integrative systematic literature review of 31 peer-reviewed studies, the research highlights the integration of self-determination states (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) to existing TAW conceptualizations. We map out enablers and outcomes of TAW at multiple levels—individual, team, and organizational—and propose a research agenda for multidisciplinary studies to explore personal experiences of TAW, collective thriving, the influence of customers, and the organizational impact of thriving workforces. This review significantly contributes to tourism and hospitality scholarship, organizational psychology, and behavior, providing a structured approach to studying TAW and equipping practitioners with targeted strategies for cultivating a thriving and sustainable workforce.