A Comparative Study on Job Motivation Among On-the-Job Training Students in the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management

This study examined the job motivation of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management students undergoing on-the-job training (OJT) in hotels with different classifications. Specifically, it investigated whether significant differences existed in the job motivation levels of students assigned to 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels. The study employed a quantitative comparative research design involving 60 tourism management students selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire that underwent expert validation to ensure content relevance and clarity. The instrument measured students’ perceived job motivation during their internship experiences across various hotel environments. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were used to describe respondents’ motivation levels, while one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized to determine significant differences among the groups. The findings revealed that students assigned to 4-star hotels obtained the highest mean job motivation score, followed by those in 3-star hotels, while students assigned to 5-star hotels recorded the lowest mean score. However, the results of the ANOVA indicated no statistically significant difference in job motivation among students across the three hotel classifications. These findings suggest that hotel classification alone does not significantly influence the motivational experiences of tourism students during their OJT. Instead, factors such as mentorship quality, workplace support, task relevance, and organizational culture may play more substantial roles in shaping student motivation. The study highlights the importance of strengthening internship programs through effective supervision, meaningful learning experiences, and supportive workplace environments. The results provide valuable insights for academic institutions, hospitality organizations, and policymakers in enhancing internship programs and fostering positive learning outcomes among future tourism professionals.