Internship Satisfaction in Hospitality: Organisational Factors and the Impact of Work Stress

workplace culture, student perception, learning satisfaction, WS, overall internship satisfaction

This study examines the factors influencing overall internship satisfaction among hotel management interns undergoing training in star-category hotels across the Delhi NCR. Drawing on a structured conceptual framework, the study investigates the direct effects of workplace culture, student perception of the internship experience, and learning satisfaction on overall internship satisfaction. In addition, the study evaluates the moderating role of WS in shaping these relationships, recognising the demanding operational nature of hotel internship environments. Data were collected from 510 hotel management interns using a questionnaire-based approach. The measurement model was validated through EFA and CFA. Hypotheses were tested using SEM for direct relationships, while moderation effects were assessed through Hayes’ PROCESS Macro. The findings confirm that workplace culture, student perception, and learning satisfaction significantly and positively influence overall internship satisfaction. Further, Work Sstress (WS) significantly moderates each relationship, indicating that stress weakens the strength of these positive effects under high-pressure internship conditions. Practically, the findings provide actionable guidance for hotel HR departments and training managers to strengthen internship structures through supportive workplace environments, learning-focused training designs, and stress-sensitive internship management practices.