An examination of the effects of mindfulness on attentional monitoring, acceptance and job performance

Abstract

This research study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness training on hotel employees' ability to pay attention, accept the experience and improve job performance. Participants for the study were drawn from a luxury hotel in Sydney. The Monitor and Acceptance Theory (MAT) was the theoretical framework selected for this research. To accommodate industry needs, a six-week Mindfulness Intervention Training (MIT) program was developed as an adaptation of the eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. Data for this qualitative exploratory case study included quota sampling technique, two surveys, firstly the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and secondly the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ), which was for developing the interview questions and in- depth interviews. Data from pre and post completions of the FFMQ and IWPQ and transcribed data from the in-depth interviews were analysed using NVivo to cluster them into themes. Analysis of the data was focused on the effectiveness of mindfulness training and the subsequent application of mindfulness practices in hotel settings. Study findings were congruent with the original agenda of the research, which were that mindfulness training activated the attention monitoring and acceptance processors of mindfulness (aims 1 and 2). Interestingly, the study revealed awareness as a distinct processor of mindfulness. The MIT improved job performance in the participants (aim 3). Furthermore, authenticity, actualisation and wellbeing surfaced as the positive outcomes of the training. The research resulted in a proposal for an advanced version of the MIT program, Mindfulness Intervention for Workplace Wellness (MIWW), which concluded that participants' work profiles and workplace characteristics potentially affect the results of the MIT. Recommendations for further studies include in-depth investigations into the nuanced relationship between attention, awareness and acceptance proposed in the advanced 3A mindfulness MAT framework. Additional recommendations were related to the MIT design and delivery (participant profiling, MIT logistics, participant engagement, support and follow- ups in the form of refresher training). Applied impacts of the study are in the form of a call for action to the hospitality industry to harness the strength of mindfulness and incorporate MIT as routine training to improve employee and organisational wellbeing and performance. Significant contributions of the research study are summarised: First, at a theoretical level, the MAT framework was applied to the hotel setting and an advanced MAT framework and comprehensive definition for mindfulness was proposed. Second, at a practical level, a customised and condensed six-week MIT (MIWW) was developed and is particularly suited to hotels and other service industries where there is a paucity of time due to operational constraints. Third, at a social level, the philosophy of mindfulness was applied to workplace settings thus supporting the number three UN Global goal, “good health and wellbeing” and addressing stress.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Western Sydney University
Supervisor	Pheroza Daruwalla (Supervisor) & Karina Wardle (Supervisor)