hospitality studies that have utilised structural equation modelling. Seven
hospitality-leadership studies were identified that had used SEM analysis
(Sparrowe 1994; Tracey and Hinkin 1996; Borchgrevink et al. 2001; Chiang and
Jang 2008; Hinkin and Schriesheim 2008; Clark et al. 2009; Asree et al. 2010)
and the mean sample size for these studies was found to be 285.6. Clarke et al.
(2009) represented something of an outlier with a very large sample size of 797
(excluding Clarke et al., the range of sample sizes was from 88 to 291). A
median value was calculated to reduce the impact of the large outlier. The
median was found to be 237 - with the outlier removed entirely, the mean value
was found to be 200.
In summary then, the sample size of 213 compares well with both the general
guidelines for SEM analysis and with previous published leadership studies in
hospitality settings.
Representativeness of the sample
In strict terms, the sample cannot be properly considered as a probability sample
where each member of the population of interest has an equal probability of
receiving a survey form. Practically, for the population of interest for this
research, it is not possible to access or develop a sampling framework within
which to randomly select recipients of survey forms. Such a sampling framework
would include every hotel with a table service restaurant in the UK and such a
listing does not exist.
The Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR) is the most comprehensive
database of UK businesses and is maintained by the ONS (Office for National
Statistics). The IDBR uses the 2007 revision to the Standard Industrial
Classification (UK SIC 2007) meaning that it would be possible to identify hotel
businesses in the database. The coverage of the IDBR is not comprehensive,
however. The IDBR contains data on 2.1 million businesses (Office for National
Statistics 2011b) and there are a total of 4.5 million businesses in the UK (Office
for National Statistics 2011a).
Regardless of any such methodological shortcomings, however, cold calling hotel
businesses following their selection from a list of organisations as the IDBR was
not considered likely to yield good results. Indeed, the lack of enthusiasm for co-