Masters Dissertations

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/476

The Masters Dissertations collection contains digital copies of AUT University masters dissertations deposited with the Library since 2007 and made available open access. From 2007 onwards, all dissertations for masters degrees awarded are required to be deposited in Tuwhera Open Theses & Dissertations unless subject to an embargo.

Dissertations submitted prior to 2007 are usually recorded in the AUT Library catalogue where the full text, if available, may be accessed with an AUT password. Other people should request an Interlibrary Loan through their library.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 1204

Examining the Determinants of Migrants’ Career Development Opportunities in the New Zealand Hospitality and Tourism Industry
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Jin, Ye
Ethnic minority employees are an important part of the workforce in the hotel and tourism industry in New Zealand (Liu-Lastres & Wen, 2021). However, previous studies have largely focused on the impact of human capital and other individual-level factors on career progression, with a strong focus on the role of structural conditions and intersecting social identities remaining largely neglected (Buford & Flores, 2025). This study addresses this gap by analysing the relationship between demographic characteristics and employment attributes and how these influence employee's perception of career development opportunities (CDO). Based on human capital theory (HCT) and intersectionality, this study examines the effect of seven variables, demographic characteristics and employment attributes, on perceived CDO (PCDO). The analysis is drawn from secondary survey data, and has been collected from 17 cities and regions across New Zealand. A multiple linear regression model was applied to study the predictive effects of seven basic variables: gender, age, ethnicity, immigration status, business type, managerial responsibility, and work location. The results show that the identity and background of employees have a measurable impact on their PCDO. However, this influence works indirectly, mainly through factors that are congruent with organisational decision-making processes. The study concludes that CDO are determined not only by individual effort and skill but also by the ways in which organisations and society more broadly recognise, interpret and evaluate the potential and value of employees from different identity groups.
Key Components, Principles, and Distinctions of Sustainable Entrepreneurship: A Narrative Synthesis
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Souksamlane, Prarichat
Sustainable entrepreneurship represents a growing area of research that responds to complex global challenges by integrating environmental, social, and economic aims into entrepreneurial practice. However, a lack of conceptual clarity continues to limit its theoretical development and practical application. This study uses a systematic literature review with a narrative synthesis approach to analyse fourteen peer-reviewed empirical articles published between 1997 and 2024. It explores the key components and guiding principles of sustainable entrepreneurship and how it differs from other forms of entrepreneurship. The findings show that sustainable entrepreneurship is a dynamic and context-sensitive process shaped by entrepreneurial identity, stakeholder collaboration, and structural conditions. It is characterised by the pursuit of integrated value creation across the triple bottom line. This review contributes to theory by clarifying the key components and guiding principles that define sustainable entrepreneurship and by distinguishing it from other forms of entrepreneurship.
Understanding Consumer Trust in Virtual Influencers: A Systematic Literature Review
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Chen, Xiner
With the advancement of technology, social media platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly transformed how individuals engage socially, shifting from reliance on traditional experts to interactions with social media influencers. In recent years, various virtual influencers have emerged as substitutes for social media influencers (SMIs), engaging with audiences in the digital world. These virtual agents possess strong capabilities to mimic human appearance and behavior, offering new opportunities for marketers and brands to enhance consumer engagement and build brand loyalty. However, scholars and marketers have not sufficiently explored the underlying mechanisms of virtual influencers, which has led to their misuse in marketing strategies and, consequently, weakened consumer trust. Researchers have yet to develop a comprehensive framework that explains how virtual influencers foster consumer trust and ultimately influence consumer behavior, which remains a key research gap in the field. This research explores the factors that influence consumer trust in virtual influencers on social media in a marketing context, and how this trust leads to changes in consumer behavior. This study employs systematic literature review methodology to examine 97 carefully selected journal articles within the field of marketing. By synthesizing findings from relevant, peer-reviewed journal articles, this study develops a comprehensive understanding of how virtual influencers build consumer trust and influence behavioral change. The analysis identifies several key themes related to virtual influencers and consumer trust: types of virtual influencers, types of trust, factors that contribute to building trust between virtual influencers and consumers, and behavioral changes resulting from that trust. Following the themes of virtual influencers and consumer trust identified from the data analysis, this study proposes a dual-pathways theoretical model integrating VI–trust themes with Influencers’ trust-building strategy (e.g., content strategy, attractiveness, identity cohesion, engagement strategy) and consumer behaviour change (e.g., purchase intention, engagement, and word-of-mouth). The framework provides a foundation for understanding how different trust-building factors interact with current VI characteristics, and how trust in VIs ultimately drives changes in consumer behaviour. This research makes a theoretical contribution by offering a comprehensive view of the relationships between virtual influencers, consumer trust, and relevant behaviour. It establishes clear definitions of VI categories and trust types, while integrating insights from diverse academic domains. The practical implications include equipping marketers with a multidimensional understanding of how to effectively adopt AI-driven influencers in marketing campaigns and influence consumers’ purchasing intentions. Future research directions include empirically validating the proposed framework, investigating the dynamics of human-virtual influencer interactions, and refining the conceptual model linking virtual influencer types, trust dimensions, and consumer behaviour change. Limitations of this study include the potential exclusion of relevant literature and the need for further empirical research focusing on how virtual influencers build trust and influence consumer behaviour.
A Systematic Review of Service Robot Acceptance in the APAC Hospitality Sector: Cultural and Ethical Perspectives
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Kharbanda, Harshpreet
The swift incorporation of service robots within the hospitality sector in the Asia–Pacific (APAC) region signifies a larger transformation in service provision, influenced by advancements in technology, evolving consumer demands, and workforce obstacles. This dissertation explores how cultural, ethical, organisational, and social elements affect the acceptance and utilization of service robots among guests and staff alike. Employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of 29 empirical and conceptual studies, the research consolidates findings through thematic and critical analysis. The results indicate that adoption is not simply a technological endeavour but rather a socially influenced occurrence shaped by cultural principles, ethical issues, and organisational preparedness. In collectivist, high-context cultures such as Japan and South Korea, trust in robots is rooted in socio-emotional customs and cultural practices, whereas in individualist, low-context nations like Australia and New Zealand, it depends more on transparency, ethical commitments, and functional dependability. To encapsulate these dynamics, the study presents two innovative constructs: Affective–Ritual Trust and Ethical–Functional Trust, which build upon established acceptance frameworks like the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Service Robot Acceptance Model (sRAM). The research makes a theoretical contribution by weaving together culture and ethics within acceptance models, thus providing a more intricate perspective on human–robot interaction in the hospitality field. On a practical level, it offers insights for managers, policymakers, and developers to create culturally aware and ethically sound approaches for the deployment of service robots. The study also recognises limitations in geographical scope and methodological variety, while laying out avenues for future research to enhance cross-cultural and multi-stakeholder understanding.
Beyond Stars and Comments: Uncovering the Impact of Digital Content on Hotel Booking Intentions
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Gajaweera Marthinna Moraslage, Dhananjana Madushani Morayes
Online travel review platforms have become a cornerstone of decision-making in the tourism and hospitality industry. Consumers are increasingly relying on peer feedback to evaluate hotels and make informed booking decisions. User-generated content (UGC), such as reviews, ratings, and photos, provides social proof, builds trust and influences consumer behaviour. Among these platforms, TripAdvisor stands out as one of the most influential and widely used review sites. This study investigates how different forms of UGC - specifically, review credibility cues, sentiment alignment, and multimedia elements affect consumer trust and hotel booking behaviour. Using a qualitative netnographic approach, the research analyses 105 TripAdvisor reviews posted between December 2023 and May 2025. Reviews were purposively selected from seven award-winning hotels in Auckland to ensure narrative richness, diversity of sentiment, and the inclusion of multimedia content. Data were collected through systematic TripAdvisor searches and analysed using thematic analysis and cross-validation to identify feedback patterns and interpret user sentiment. This study introduces a tripartite alignment framework that explains how reviewer credentials, content coherence, and platform affordances interact to co-construct digital trust. Unlike prior models that focus on isolated trust cues, this framework integrates multiple elements, highlighting their interdependencies and extending theoretical perspectives such as signalling theory, dual process persuasion, and affordance theory. Key findings indicate that when credibility cues, multimedia content, and platform-driven visibility are aligned, users exhibit heightened trust in reviews, which positively influences their booking intentions. These insights offer actionable guidance for hotel managers and platform designers to enhance review authenticity, optimise governance structures, and foster more meaningful consumer engagement.
The Impact of the Physical Environment on Children’s Experiences of Early Childhood Education
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Ranathunga, Ruchikala
This dissertation presents a critical integrative literature review examining the influence of the physical environment on children’s experiences in early childhood education (ECE), with a particular emphasis on the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. While pedagogy and teacher-child relationships remain central to early learning, this review focused on how elements such as spatial layout, aesthetics, sensory design, access to nature, and cultural visibility influence children’s holistic development, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. Framed by the research question, how does the physical environment impact children’s experiences in ECE? The review synthesised both international and local literature through the theoretical lenses of sociocultural theory, bioecological systems theory, and the principles of the New Zealand curriculum Te Whāriki (MoE, 2017). The findings highlight the uniquely diverse and bicultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand as central to understanding ECE settings and examine how historical developments, regulatory frameworks, and sector privatisation have contributed to wide variability in physical environments. Further, the review found that thoughtfully designed environments, characterised by environmental elements, support children’s cognitive growth, emotional regulation, social competence, spiritual expression, and identity formation. However, the literature also revealed significant challenges, including inequitable funding, regulatory constraints, and limited professional focus on spatial design and cultural responsiveness. Overall, the review concluded that physical environments must be recognised as active contributors to children's learning and development, with important implications for educators, policymakers, and centre designers. It offers actionable recommendations to promote equitable access to well-designed, flexible, and culturally sustaining environments. Finally, this work contributes to the ongoing discourse on environmental quality and its role in shaping more equitable and transformative early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Exploring Filipino Culinary Identity Through Filipino Adobo
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Ambion, Rea Kim
This dissertation explores the characteristics of Filipino culinary identity through an in-depth analysis of the Filipino dish, adobo. Anchored in the perspective of a Filipino chef and guided by post-colonial theory, the study employs a qualitative methodology grounded in relativist ontology and constructivist epistemology. A comprehensive literature review situates the research within scholarly discussions on food and identity, nationalism, the historical multicultural food identity of the Philippines and its contemporary foodways. Using qualitative meta-synthesis for data collection and reflexive thematic analysis, the research identified eight emerging characteristics of Filipino adobo from 10 different adobo recipes. The study found that Filipino adobo is characterised by its: (1) flavour profile, (2) fundamental and non-fundamental ingredients, (3) cooking method, (4) regionality, (5) personal preference, (6) authenticity and adaptability, (7) state before and during Spanish colonisation, and lastly (8) symbolism in the contemporary Philippines. Ultimately, these characteristics are also found to be present within the broad Filipino culinary scene. The findings reveal the dynamic interplay between tradition, adaptation, and colonial legacy in shaping Filipino culinary expression. The study concludes by critically stating the implications of these findings, highlighting the researcher’s limitations and offering recommendations for future research on Filipino cuisine.
A Study on the Effect of Organisational Culture on Employee Engagement in SMEs
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Sheik Jalaludin, Sheik Azharudeen
This narrative literature review investigates the role of organisational culture in shaping employee engagement within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While extensive literature has examined employee engagement in large corporations with formal human resource infrastructures, limited research addresses how SMEs, characterised by informal structures, resource constraints, and founder-led cultures, foster employee engagement through non-institutional mechanisms. Since SMEs represent over 97% of New Zealand businesses and employ a significant proportion of the national workforce, this research addresses a critical gap in organisational behaviour and human resource management scholarship. This thesis adopts a narrative literature review (NLR) methodology based exclusively on secondary data. The study synthesises findings from 65 peer-reviewed, published studies from 2000 to 2025. No primary data was collected; instead, the research draws solely from existing academic sources. The analysis is structured around three theoretical frameworks: Schein’s (2010) Three-Level Model of Organisational Culture, Denison’s (1996) Culture and Performance Model, and Kahn’s (1990) Psychological Conditions of Engagement. Five core organisational cultural dimensions — values and identity, relational leadership, communication and feedback systems, psychological safety and trust, and inclusive and adaptive practices — are key to employee engagement in SME contexts. The narrative literature review suggests that employee engagement in SMEs is primarily cultivated through relational and culturally integrated practices such as ethical leadership, value congruence, empowerment, informal dialogue, and psychological safety rather than through structured HR interventions. These organisationally and culturally situated mechanisms drive affective commitment and discretionary effort and sustain organisational resilience amid external pressures and internal growth. This research contributes to the theoretical advancement of organisational culture and employee engagement studies by contextualising them within the SME environment and the New Zealand economic landscape. It also offers practical recommendations for SME leaders seeking cost-effective, organisationally and culturally authentic employee engagement strategies aligned with their operational realities. Ultimately, the research provides a nuanced, secondary-data-based, evidence-informed framework for understanding how SMEs can leverage organisational culture as a strategic asset to enhance employee engagement and organisational performance.
Impact of Cultural Diversity on Team Performance: A Meta-Synthesis
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Rasheed, Eniola
Cultural diversity has long been acknowledged as a defining feature of contemporary teams, particularly in globalised work environments. In recent decades, cultural diversity has attracted growing attention within academic research on team dynamics and performance. However, the existing body of literature remains diverse, methodologically disjointed, and conceptually inconsistent. Limited attempts have been made to synthesise qualitative findings in a way that captures the complex interplay between diversity and team performance. Thus, the field will benefit from a holistic and process-oriented understanding of how cultural diversity shapes team outcomes. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a qualitative meta-analysis of empirical research on cultural diversity in teams across different sectors. Specifically, it seeks to synthesise thematic insights across studies, highlight recurring patterns and barriers, and identify directions for future research. The study is guided by two interrelated research questions: (1) How does cultural diversity influence team performance, especially team dynamics and communication? and (2) What are the key mechanisms of cultural diversity that impact team performance, especially on team dynamics and communication? To achieve these objectives, a meta-synthesis method was applied, drawing on twelve peer-reviewed qualitative studies published in the last 10 years. Thematic synthesis was used to identify and cluster key patterns across studies, progressing from primary-cycle coding of participant quotes to higher-order conceptual categorisation. The analysis was conducted inductively, and the resulting themes were interpreted through the Input–Process–Output (IPO) model to contextualise how cultural diversity shapes team inputs, interactional processes, and performance outcomes. The findings reveal that cultural diversity impacts team performance through relational, structural, and practice-based dynamics. Eight core themes emerged, grouped into three overarching conceptual categories: Relational Conditions that Enable Inclusion, Structural and Normative Barriers to Inclusion, and Practices that Translate Diversity into Performance. From this synthesis, the concept of Cultural Attunement was developed. Cultural Attunement is a process of cultural negotiation and relational reflexivity that allows diverse teams to build trust, adapt meaningfully, and optimise collaborative performance. This research makes several contributions. Theoretically, it advances a process-oriented understanding of cultural diversity by proposing Cultural Attunement as a central mechanism in diverse team functioning. It also bridges fragmented strands of literature by offering a cohesive thematic framework grounded in lived team experiences. Practically, the findings offer actionable insights for leaders and organisations seeking to foster inclusion and leverage diversity. Finally, the study proposes future research directions, including longitudinal and ethnographic approaches, to further examine how cultural attunement develops in real-time, high-stakes team environments.
Fostering Play-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education through Leadership and Parental Engagement
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Manokaran, Archerna
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” ― Mother Teresa This dissertation explores ways in which early childhood education (ECE) leaders interact with parents to facilitate learning through play. It analyses the relationship between leadership practices, expectations of parents, and cultural perceptions of education (Huang, 2013; Lightfoot & Frost, 2015; Zhang & Yu, 2016). This is achieved by employing a systematic literature review as the methodology. The review is informed by established guidelines for analysis of research literature as well as the PRISMA guidelines for open data collection of literature (Booth et al., 2012; Liberati et al., 2009; Mutch, 2013; Snyder, 2019). The findings illustrate that although play-based learning is widely acknowledged as a basis for holistic development, numerous parents still doubt its value, especially those from societies that place a high priority on formal academic accomplishment (Huang, 2013). Play is an essential component of education, particularly in early childhood settings. Play-based learning allows children to develop useful information and abilities by reorienting the teaching process from a teacher-centred to a student-centred approach (Khalil et al., 2022). Play-based learning has a substantial impact on children's development in early childhood as well as their advancement in later formal education (Khalil et al., 2022). Vygotsky's sociocultural theory views play as a key activity that fosters emotional, cognitive, and social development by allowing children to experiment with imagined elements and self-directed norms (Vygotsky, 1976). Joy is evident and frequently connected to early childhood environments and children's play. Even if joy is acknowledged and validated, barriers including administrative duties, regulations, expectations from parents, burnout, and time constraints can prevent educators from fully embracing joyful, play-based pedagogies (Little & Karaolis, 2023). Some of these barriers may be caused in part by parents' lack of support for their children's play, which is fuelled by high standards and demands for academic success as well as a lack of knowledge about the value of play in children's development (Karuppiah, 2022). Early childhood education leaders are under more pressure to bridge understanding through relational, honest, and culturally sensitive communication because of this tension (Lindsay, 2024; Heikkinen et al., 2024). This dissertation makes an argument that effective early childhood education leadership is a relational and ethical practice based on Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 2017) values rather than just a collection of administrative skills. Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 2017), the early childhood curriculum of New Zealand, has a strong emphasis on connections, family and community, empowerment, and holistic development as key pillars that enable inclusive and culturally sensitive pedagogies. It is crucial to respect the various realities and goals of early learning communities by acknowledging Te Whāriki as an intellectual framework (Ministry of Education, 2017). Therefore, this dissertation suggests curriculum initiatives that position families as co- weavers of education alongside educators and children, equity-driven funding, and ongoing professional development (Ministry of Education, 2018; Wood & Hedges, 2024). A personal reflection on my experiences working as an early childhood educator is included in the final chapter, which also highlights the continuous battle for respect and recognition in the field of early childhood education. It calls for a continued commitment to diversity and respect in early childhood education and ends with a message of empowerment for early childhood education professionals, reinforcing the critical role they play (Ballaschk et al., 2024; Cooper, 2025; OECD, 2019). Mother Teresa's words align well with Te Whāriki's (Ministry of Education, 2017) objective for relationships that respect and uphold the mana of all tamariki and whānau serves as the foundation for this dissertation.
Framing Gender Equality: Narratives in FIFA Women’s World Cup Bid and Legacy Documents (1991–2023)
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Firisua, David
The promises and limitations of leveraging sports mega-events for gender equality have long been debated within sport sociology and international development, with concerns that such events often prioritise symbolic visibility over structural transformation. While bid and legacy frameworks increasingly acknowledge the importance of gender equity in sport, progress remains uneven and is constrained by institutional inertia and inconsistent implementation. These tensions are particularly visible in the FIFA Women’s World Cup (FWWC), which has emerged as a central platform for advancing gender equality in global sport. This dissertation critically examines how gender equality has been framed and mobilised across FWWC bid and legacy documents from 1991 to 2023. It examines the narratives, commitments, and silences within host nation promises, considering the extent to which discursive framings translate into enduring structural change. Adopting a qualitative design within a critical inquiry paradigm, the study draws on feminist theory, intersectionality, and the capabilities approach. Critical Discourse Analysis and Reflexive Thematic Analysis supported by NVivo software, were employed to interrogate fifteen publicly available FIFA and host-nation documents. The findings reveal six themes, including four core themes: participation and structural access, empowerment and leadership, institutional framing and governance, and representation and media narratives. While gender equality increasingly features in tournament rhetoric, implementation is inconsistent, and progress remains vulnerable to post-event regression. Three recommendations emerge. First, FIFA must embed enforceable accountability measures, ensuring gender equality commitments extend beyond rhetoric. Second, host nations should integrate FWWC gender initiatives into national and regional policy frameworks, bridging global directives with local realities. Third, academics must monitor and evaluate these efforts, generating evidence-based insights that create feedback loops between policy and practice. By synthesising these findings, the dissertation advances scholarship on sport governance and offers pathways to strengthen the long-term legacies of gender equality in women’s football.
A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Perceived Authenticity in Ethnic and Cultural Restaurants
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Wang, Haosen
This dissertation systematically reviews and quantitatively synthesises existing research on perceived authenticity in ethnic and cultural restaurant contexts. Despite the growing emphasis on the importance of authenticity in consumer behaviour literature, existing research remains fragmented and empirical findings are contradictory. To address these gaps, this study conducted a systematic literature review of 86 academic papers, of which 44 studies were included in a psychometric meta-analysis. The meta-analysis scrutinised the relationship between perceived authenticity; its antecedents such as food quality, brand image, and ethnic décor; and outcomes including positive emotions, memorable experiences, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intentions. Further analysis revealed the significant moderating roles of culture, age, and gender on the relations of perceived authenticity with its antecedents and outcomes. Key findings were the robust effects of tangible authenticity cues, such as brand image and food quality, on authenticity perceptions. Comparatively, individual differences, such as prior knowledge and adaptation ability, showed weaker effects. The outcomes of perceived authenticity were strongly linked to emotional and behavioural responses, significantly impacting customer satisfaction, revisit intentions, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Moderation analyses further revealed significant demographic effects, with culture, age, and gender influencing how perceived authenticity relates to emotional and behavioural outcomes. Specifically, cultural individualism enhances positive emotions derived from perceived authenticity; compared with young people, older customers value authenticity more in enjoying a memorable dining experience, and female customers show higher sensitivity to interpersonal authenticity cues (employee ethnicity). By systematically reviewing and synthesising existing research, this meta-analysis advances both the theoretical understanding of perceived authenticity and practical options for creating these perceptions in ethnic and cultural restaurant settings. Specifically, the systematic review findings revealed how perceived authenticity has been examined to date, including its key antecedents, outcomes, research contexts, and methodological approaches. In addition, cross-tabulation analysis uncovered distinct methodological patterns in studies conducted in Eastern and Western regions. Furthermore, the meta-analytic synthesis addressed inconsistencies in previous empirical findings by clarifying robust relationships and identifying the boundary conditions that influence how the perception of authenticity relates to its antecedents and outcomes. Based on the findings, this review also highlights critical gaps and offers directions for future research, including the adoption of longitudinal design, the examination of underexplored constructs, and the application of mixed method approaches to deepen theoretical understanding. Practically, the findings offer strategic pathways for restaurant managers seeking to cultivate authenticity and enhance customer satisfaction, emotional engagement, and loyalty through targeted authenticity strategies.
A Meta-Analysis of Turnover Intention in the Hospitality and Tourism Context: Examining Antecedents, Outcomes, and Moderating Factors
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Liang, Siyin
Over the past decades, employee turnover has been a persistent and costly challenge in the global hospitality and tourism (H&T) industry, impacting service consistency, operational performance, and workforce stability. Although extensive research has explored the antecedents of turnover intention, inconsistent findings and contextual variability limit the generalizability of existing knowledge. To address this gap, the present study is a comprehensive meta-analysis of 249 empirical studies to (1) identify and quantify the key antecedents and outcomes of turnover intention among H&T employees, and (2) examine how contextual factors, including national culture, age, gender, and publication year, moderate these relationships. This meta-analysis has systematically reviewed and analyzed 249 empirical studies on turnover intention in the H&T industry, which were sourced from databases such as Google Scholar and EBSCO Tourism and Hospitality Complete. Inclusion criteria required studies to be empirical and quantitative and report correlations between turnover intention and its antecedents and/or outcomes within the H&T context. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow chart was used to guide the selection process. Data extraction included coding variables such as effect size, sample size, region, publication year, and study design, which were entered into an Excel workbook. Meta-analytic techniques such as psychometric meta-analysis and meta-regression were used to examine effect sizes and test the influence of moderators including publication year, gender, age, and culture. Using psychometric meta-analytic techniques and meta-regression analysis, the findings indicate that job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and job stress are among the most influential factors, while emerging concepts such as artificial intelligence awareness and self-efficacy reflect the changing industry challenges. Moderation analyses revealed that national culture significantly moderates the effects of support-related variables and organizational support is more strongly associated with lower turnover intention in individualistic cultures, while supervisor support is more influential in collectivist settings. Age and gender, and publication year also moderated the strength of several predictors, such as trust toward the organisation, work-family conflict, and resilience. This thesis contributes to the turnover literature by clarifying mixed empirical findings, testing theoretical boundary conditions, integrating both established and emerging predictors and outcomes of turnover intention, and offering detailed future research directions. It also provides practical recommendations for developing evidence-based, demographically sensitive, and culturally adaptive retention strategies in the H&T sector.
Sustainable Tuna Fishing in Small Island Developing States: Governance and Policies in the Kiribati Islands.
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Asa, Semo
The sustainable governance of marine resources in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as the Kiribati Islands sits at the intersection of ecological stewardship, postcolonial sovereignty, and global socio-economic interdependency. My study explores the transnational governance of sustainable tuna fishing in Kiribati with one of the largest and most biodiverse tuna fish stocks in the world. In Kiribati, tuna is not merely a tradable commodity; it represents a cultural lifeline, economically, and politically amid shifting climate frontiers and volatile international markets. Positioned within the blue economy as a governance-sustainability nexus, my study advances an inquiry that foregrounds transnational governance as both a site of contestation and a coordination platform. Through a critical case study method drawing on secondary data (and some feedback from a few experts), my research examines how Kiribati’s tuna fisheries are governed across a diverse ecosystem of state, market, and civil society actors, each advancing diverging conceptions of what constitutes sustainable tuna fishing. By operationalising 15 Regulatory Standard-Setting (RSS) schemes and evaluating them through a Governance Triangle Framework, my research probes how these transnational mechanisms align or fail to align with Kiribati’s sustainability priorities and national sovereignty claims. The evaluation of the 15 RSS schemes’ effectiveness is anchored in five governance drivers articulated by Haas et al. (2022): legal enforceability, effectiveness and adaptability, credibility, inclusiveness, and empowerment. Recognising persistent asymmetries and inequities in how power is exercised across governance regimes, I further propose a sixth governance principle – “Equity and Justice” to address the often-underrepresented social equity dimensions within existing frameworks. The analysis is further guided by the normative objectives set forth in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), in particular UN SDG #13 (Climate Action), UN SDG #14 (Life Below Water), and UN SDG #17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These global commitments offer an analytical compass through which the governance of Kiribati’s tuna fisheries can be understood not only as a local or regional issue but as a matter of global strategy and transnational governance. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of transnational RSS schemes in Kiribati fisheries is uneven, constrained by fragmented authority structures, limited national capacity, and underlying structural dependencies. However, the study also highlights opportunities for adaptive, inclusive, and cooperative governance pathways that centre the voices of SIDS within the broader international business and ocean governance discourses. In doing so, my study contributes to closing what may be termed a “blue deficit” in the International Business (IB) literature, a long-standing oversight in how ocean spaces and their governance have been conceptualised, particularly within the IB literature and global strategy. By re-framing Kiribati’s tuna fisheries as both a governance challenge and a site of strategic agency, I hope my study brings renewed attention to how SIDS engage with the contested spaces of ocean governance and offers practical IB policy insights that may support a sustainable future within the Pacific blue economy.
Career Development for Asian Women in the New Zealand Hospitality Industry
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Gao, Ningcong (Annie)
This study explores the career development experiences of Asian women in New Zealand’s hospitality industry, focusing on the barriers they face and the strategies they use to navigate and advance within the sector. A systematic literature review informed the theoretical foundation, drawing on Social Role Theory and Glass Ceiling Theory to guide both the research design and analysis. Social Role Theory explains how culturally defined gender roles influence workplace expectations and behaviours, often limiting women’s opportunities. Glass Ceiling Theory highlights the invisible barriers that hinder women, especially from minority backgrounds, from reaching leadership roles despite their qualifications. Guided by a pragmatic philosophical stance, the study employed a mixed-methods approach to capture both individual experiences and structural trends. The qualitative component involved 12 semi-structured interviews, offering detailed accounts of participants’ professional journeys. The quantitative component comprised secondary data analysis, contextualising these experiences within broader industry patterns. Three key themes emerged: Barriers to Career Development, Current Strategies for Career Development, and Future Initiatives for Career Development. Theoretically, the study contributes to understanding how Social Role Theory and Glass Ceiling Theory explain intersectional challenges in the hospitality sector. Practically, it underscores the need for culturally responsive interventions, such as recognising overseas experience, implementing inclusive workplace policies, and establishing mentorship programmes to support equity and advancement for Asian women in New Zealand’s hospitality industry.
Generational Differences in Customer Expectations and Perceived Performance of Internet of Things (IoT): Examining Satisfaction and Revisit Intentions in Chinese Hotels
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Li, Hanshi
This study investigates IoT-enabled hotel services in China through an integrated expectation–confirmation–satisfaction framework, augmented with perceived performance and technological disposition, and tests whether generational cohort moderates key pathways. Using a cross-sectional guest survey, the research establishes reliability and construct validity before estimating regression models with multiple robustness checks. Results show that technological disposition and perceived performance significantly and positively affect satisfaction; expectations and perceived performance jointly shape confirmation; and satisfaction strongly predicts revisit intention. Generational cohort exerts a partial moderating effect, concentrated on the expectation–confirmation link. Theoretically, the study broadens the application of Expectation–Confirmation Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology into the smart hotel context, clarifying how predispositions and performance perceptions cocreate confirmation and satisfaction among different age groups. Practically, the findings guide segment-specific service configuration and expectation management, advocating that hotels should fine-tune the onboarding, interface, and support to match technological readiness while emphasising dependable performance fulfilment to gain confirmation and repeated patronage.
Analysing Visitors’ Experience of Disneyland Through Online Reviews: What Are the Factors That Influence a Visitor’s Experience at Disneyland?
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Noe, Yu
Theme parks like Disneyland are increasingly recognised as emotional and immersive spaces where visitors actively co-construct their experiences through storytelling, interaction, and narrative (King, 2002; Milman & Tasci, 2018; Torres et al., 2019). While extensive literature has explored theme park design, operations, and visitor motivation (Ali et al., 2018; Bai et al., 2023; Hsu, 2011b; Torres et al., 2018), fewer studies have examined how visitors experience these environments through their own narratives. User-generated content on platforms like Tripadvisor offers a valuable data into the emotional, social, and symbolic dimensions of such experiences (Kim & Fesenmaier, 2017). This study addresses this gap by analysing how visitors describe and interpret their experiences across five Disneyland locations. The study had two primary objectives: (a) to explore how visitors articulate their experiences at Disneyland, and (b) to identify the key themes that shape those experiences across different cultural contexts. By focusing on the visitors’ experience through their narratives, this research aims to add to the academic understanding of experiential tourism and provide insights for enhancing theme park engagement. Adopting an interpretivist paradigm and qualitative methodology, the study used thematic analysis to examine 294 Tripadvisor reviews from Disneyland parks in Anaheim, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai (Nov 2024 to Apr 2025). Manual open coding was used to categorise visitor expressions, leading to the identification of eight main themes that influenced the visitors: waiting time and queue management, attraction experience, entertainment and events, staff service and hospitality, cost/value perception, access and reservation system, crowding and space management, and character interaction. These themes reflect the emotional, operational, and symbolic dimensions of Disneyland experiences. The findings contribute to the literature by shifting the analytical focus from operation performance or satisfaction metrics to the lived experiences and narratives of visitors. This research offers both a theoretical contribution to the field of tourism and leisure studies and practical implications for theme park operators seeking to enhance emotional engagement and culturally responsive design across global contexts.
Resilience of Lifestyle Migrant Entrepreneurs in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry: A Case Study of Chinese Lifestyle Entrepreneurs in Auckland
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Yang, Marina
This dissertation explores the opportunities, challenges, and adaptive strategies of Chinese lifestyle entrepreneurs operating within Auckland’s tourism and hospitality sector. Through semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the study investigates how these entrepreneurs navigate complex environments shaped by cultural identity, limited institutional access, and a dynamic visitor economy. The findings reveal that, far from being passive actors, Chinese lifestyle entrepreneurs demonstrate strong initiative by leveraging cultural capital, digital tools, flexible business models, and community networks to build resilient and value-driven micro-enterprises. The study contributes to theoretical frameworks in lifestyle and migrant entrepreneurship by extending concepts of cultural capital, community embeddedness, and entrepreneurial resilience into a multicultural, post-crisis context. It highlights how emotional fulfilment, identity expression, and grassroots collaboration are integral to business sustainability. Practically, the research offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, tourism agencies, and community institutions seeking to foster inclusive and adaptive local economies.
Navigating Parental Expectations of Children Starting School: A Review of Literature
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Asad, Fazina
This systematic literature review examines how early childhood educators in New Zealand respond to parental expectations that children start school at age 5. While school readiness is widely researched, limited studies focus on how educators navigate these expectations within the Te Whāriki framework. Addressing this gap is crucial, as parental expectations influence pedagogical approaches, curriculum implementation, and transitions to formal schooling. In a context shaped by sociocultural diversity and neoliberal policy pressures, educators must negotiate often conflicting views of what it means to be “ready for school”. The review analyses peer-reviewed research on educator strategies to differentiate developmental preparedness from culturally and socially situated expectations. Following clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the selected literature is synthesised through thematic analysis to identify key patterns in how educators communicate, negotiate, and manage parental expectations. Findings highlight the central role of educator–parent communication in supporting children’s holistic development, ensuring smoother transitions, and maintaining alignment with Te Whāriki principles. The study also reveals tensions between curriculum ideals and policy drivers, as well as between professional knowledge and diverse parental beliefs. These insights suggest the need for further research into how educators engage with families across cultural contexts and how curriculum frameworks can be enacted more responsively. By examining these dynamics, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how early childhood educators balance professional responsibilities with community expectations in fostering school readiness.
Comparative Analysis of Executive Remuneration Disclosure in the Banking Industry: Developing vs Developed Countries
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Atua-Ntow, Nana Yaw Okai
As global scrutiny intensifies around executive pay in the banking sector, transparency in remuneration disclosure has become a pressing concern, especially across diverse economic landscapes. This qualitative study investigates how banks in both developed (e.g., Switzerland, Singapore) and developing countries (e.g., India, South Africa) report executive remuneration by using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) requirements to assess twelve purposively selected annual reports (Ehnert et al., 2016). The findings of this study reveal that most banks disclose key components such as fixed and variable pay, performance linkage, ESG alignment, and remuneration philosophy. Critical elements like shareholder voting outcomes and compensation balance remain underreported, limiting cross-country comparability. Notably, developed countries demonstrate stronger transparency mechanisms through the use of external consultants and specialised remuneration committees. To address social equity (people), environmental responsibility (planet), and financial accountability (profit) using annual reports, the study highlights the need for global reporting standards that reflect sustainable governance by concluding with implications for practical and future research to advance inclusive and transparent remuneration practices and research in the banking sector.

Browse

Recent Submissions