Conceptualising and Measuring Hospitality in Relation to Wellbeing in Kenya: Is Hospitality a Character Strength?
Part of the Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology book series (CAPP,volume 16)
ABSTRACT
Hospitality is recognised as a salient value across most cultures, including in Africa. Yet, empirical research is narrowly focused on the hospitality industry. Psychological studies on hospitality are lacking. Therefore, the present research, consisting of three studies, explored hospitality within the theoretical framework of character strengths and wellbeing. Study 1 examined the perception of hospitality among several ethnic groups in Kenya and identified dimensions that define hospitality: spending time with guests, enjoying their presence, having long conversations, not being disturbed when guests arrive unannounced, welcoming them in one’s residence, providing good food, making sacrifices to make them feel at home, and providing comfortable accommodation. Based on the qualitative data, in Study 2, a 9-item scale of hospitality was developed and validated. Factor analysis identified two factors: logistical and dispositional hospitality. The scale showed high internal consistency reliability and satisfied criteria of validity. Study 3 tested the association between hospitality and wellbeing using the Tangaza Hospitality Scale and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. Findings showed that dispositional hospitality predicts mental health: R = .428, R2 = .183, p < .01. It is hoped that hospitality will gain more currency within positive psychology, and eventually be listed as a character strength.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-85924-4_5
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