Why they come (back): Motive clusters of seasonal employees and their multiple workplace commitments

Abstract

This study develops seasonal employee typologies for the Alpine tourism and hospitality sector by connecting motives for seasonal work with varying levels of different workplace commitments and return intention. Conceptualizing the destination as an analytical lens rather than merely context, this study examines how employees’ social, economic, and leisure motives affect their commitment to the organization, coworkers, job, and destination. Drawing on survey data from 381 hospitality employees in an Alpine destination in Austria, cluster analysis, analysis of variance, and post hoc tests were applied. The analysis identified four employee clusters (lifestyle seekers, dedicated professionals, practical earners, and social contributors) that significantly differ in their motivational profiles, commitment patterns, and demographic characteristics. The findings demonstrate that commitment among seasonal employees extends beyond the organization and differs across motive-based segments. These differences may shape guest interactions and service delivery, ultimately impacting service quality, visitor satisfaction, and overall destination performance. By integrating a motive-based segmentation with a multi-target commitment perspective, this study advances research on seasonal tourism employment and underscores how destination-specific contexts impact employee attitudes and behaviors. The results offer insights for adapting recruitment and retention strategies to distinct employee profiles in seasonal hospitality settings.