MOTIVATION AND MATERIAL INCENTIVE SYSTEMS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

The article addresses the critical aspects of motivation and material incentives in the hospitality industry, highlighting their vital role as primary drivers of employee performance and organizational effectiveness. Labor behavior and employee activity significantly depend on the remuneration systems and motivational tools implemented by enterprises, which are deeply rooted in the principles of financial incentives and structured labor motivation. However, despite extensive recognition, many organizations still underestimate the importance of effectively managing motivation and incentive processes among their workforce. Consequently, issues related to employee motivation and material stimulation remain highly debated and relevant within academic and professional communities. Currently, there is no unified scientific consensus on many conceptual and methodological aspects. Notably, there is a pronounced gap in methodological frameworks for evaluating the impact of motivation and incentive practices on employee behavior and productivity, particularly under modern economic conditions. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for practical guidance tailored specifically to the hotel and restaurant sectors for effectively managing these motivational processes. The rapid advancement and widespread implementation of digital technologies have created robust preconditions for their integration into motivation, remuneration, and incentive systems. Digital solutions offer new possibilities for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness in employee incentive programs, thereby directly influencing labor activity and organizational outcomes. Given these contexts, the present research holds considerable relevance. The primary objective was to thoroughly investigate how motivational and incentive mechanisms shape employee behavior and activity, establish an effective motivational framework specifically tailored for service enterprises, and conduct comprehensive diagnostics of existing motivation and incentive systems. The article introduces the author’s conceptual model for managing employee work behavior and activity, emphasizing material incentives and motivational strategies. It outlines clearly defined stages in building a motivational mechanism within organizations and describes their interconnections. Moreover, the article provides a detailed analysis of how digital technologies are currently utilized within motivation and incentive frameworks in hospitality enterprises. It also presents empirical findings from diagnostics conducted on motivation and material incentive systems, showcasing practical insights and recommendations based on enterprises operating in the hospitality industry.