Linchi Kwok, Ph.D.

Employee well-being, a cornerstone of a healthy workplace and professional performance, has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we transition out of this crisis, it is of utmost importance to promptly evaluate the current state of hospitality employees’ well-being. This will enable managers to support those in need, underscoring our research's critical and timely nature, which will be reported here. The Empirical Study In collaboration with Dr. Bonhak Koo at Texas Tech University and Dr. Sohee Kim at the University of South Alabama, we published a study in the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration . We aimed to answer two research questions: RQ1 : To what extent can the well-being profiles of hospitality employees be identified? RQ2 : How do their well-being profiles relate to their motivation? The Research Design and The Sample We conceptualized our work using Seligman’s well-being theory (the PERMA model) and the self-dete...

When I signed up for the 2024 Thailand Collins College Study Abroad Program, I did not anticipate a life-changing experience. I had no expectations beyond learning how to cook Thai food in Thailand for course credits, and I had not researched much about studying abroad before the trip. However, during my time at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi ( RMUTT ), I immersed myself in Thai culture, gained new insights into the hospitality industry, and broadened my global perspective in a new environment. Participating in this study abroad program has significantly contributed to my academic journey, professional development, and personal growth.   Academic and Professional Enrichment at RMUTT The Faculty of Liberal Arts at RMUTT and Dr. Kwok organized an intensive educational program that provided us with a comprehensive overview of hospitality and tourism in Thailand, along with an introduction to Thai history, language, and culture. On campus, we attended lectures that del...

AI can streamline the hiring process, but concerns linger. For example, AI could perpetuate gender or racial biases in the hiring process , just like most human HR managers could do. Meanwhile, to increase the chances of being picked by AI, job candidates must prepare resumes and job interviews tailored to AI’s “preference.” When more job candidates understand how to convince AI that they are the best candidates for the job , can AI still make valid recommendations to hire the best-fit candidate in the pool? Then, if AI makes a mix of valid and invalid recommendations for hiring, will HR managers find it more challenging to select the right candidate for the job? The situation can get even more complicated if a candidate cheats the AI hiring systems. Cheat to bypass AI screening: Is it the cruelty of human nature? Job candidates are eager to get hired. Career coaches want to help. That is a good thing. Nevertheless, I have seen many free online tutorial videos teaching job candidate...

Last week, we discussed how more companies used AI to screen resumes and analyze job candidates’ performance in the initial interviews. We called for companies’ attention to the  potential AI biases in hiring . This week, we will visit what job candidates can do to help AI pick us and recommend us for hiring. A. Writing a Resume Tailored to AI Screening First and foremost, job candidates must thoroughly research the job and the company to understand its job descriptions and organizational culture. From there, they can: Write the resume in Word and submit it as a Word document instead of a PDF file. Select a straightforward format and avoid using graphics, charts, or complex layouts that could confuse AI. Use headings effectively to help AI pick up the content it seeks, such as “Relevant Job Experience” and “Education.” Strategically pick the relevant keywords that match the job descriptions as the job candidates describe what they perform(ed) at work. Highlight their achievements a...

Using computer programs to screen job candidates’ resumes is not a new HR practice among big corporates. AI accelerates the automation process for all companies in the selection process. More companies are using AI to evaluate job candidates’ performance in their initial interviews, such as word choice and cognitive abilities, in addition to screening their resumes.     AI speeds up the hiring process   AI can help companies speed up the hiring process because they usually receive hundreds or even thousands of job applications for a vacancy. It becomes unrealistic for companies to solely rely on “human eyes” to screen all resumes or perform as many live job interviews as AI would do.     Research and industry reports have widely documented HR managers’ biases in their hiring practices. Now, when AI is helping HR managers make decisions, do companies still need to be mindful of potential biases during the hiring process?      Understanding AI biase...

As our world has evolved, so has companies' hiring process across the workforce. Advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence or AI, have changed how employers review applications.  Many employers have become reliant on technology and AI to identify quality candidates, and such a practice has negatively impacted applicants, as the usage of AI technology to review applications has significantly decreased individuals’ chances for employment. With algorithms and AI being used to review submitted applications and evaluate applicant responses in online assessments, qualified individuals who apply for open positions can be rejected. In addition, companies have incorporated advanced technology into their application review process in the form of resume screeners, a tool that can wrongly evaluate applicants’ resumes using biased criteria. In short, employers’ use and reliance upon algorithms, AI, and resume screeners have presented challenges that many were not prepared to...

I rented a pure electronic vehicle (PEV) or battery electric vehicle (BEV) for a road trip to Palm Springs in January. That was the first time I took a trip with an EV, and I discovered that a PEV was only good for short or daily commutes. I will need a hybrid EV or a gas-powered car for longer road trips.        My not-as-pleasant EV experience in Palm Springs     Before this road trip, I assumed that EV chargers would be “everywhere” in California because California is the pioneer in banning the sales of new gas-powered vehicles. As a result, I did not “bother” to check how many EV chargers the area or my hotel has, even though I knew Palm Springs has many independently owned boutique hotels that do not need to follow any brand standards --- Today, having EV chargers onsite is still not yet an industry standard, although they are more commonly seen in chain hotels or restaurants.   I regretted renting an EV as soon as I arrived at the hotel beca...