Getting Promoted This Summer: Exploring the Promotion Process an English Summer Camp

Abstract

Based on the literature surrounding the promotion process and career development, this paper investigates the similarities and differences in the views of employees at different levels of an organisation, regarding the factors affecting promotion decisions. Using Breaugh’s (2011) model of the promotion process as a frame work this study will also test its relevance in the seasonal leisure service industry using Oxford Royale Academy as a case study. It is proposed that network size and likeability, past experience, reputation and tenure, and potential, individual and relative performance are the key factors that impact an employee’s chance for promotion. Research collected from 6 detailed interviews with employees, newly appointed managers and the senior staff provided three General Dimensions that supported the main components of the model. The Individual, the Organisation and the Evaluation were used to group common factors found to affect the promotability of an employee at ORA. The findings also provide cause to develop a more extensive model which includes methods for supporting the transition into management. This research has implications for organisations in the seasonal leisure service industry looking to plan their staffing policies and for further research to explore the validity of support networks, team balance and happiness as a performance indicator in other organisations .