INTERNSHIP SUCCESS IN THAI TOURISM: THE INTERPLAY OF PARENTAL SUPPORT, PERSON-ORGANIZATION FIT, AND INTERNSHIP QUALITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/aamr.2025.19Keywords:
Parental Support, Person-Organization Fit, Internship Quality, Tourism StudentsAbstract
This study investigates the key factors influencing internship satisfaction among Thai tourism students in Phuket. Employing a quantitative approach with 300 participants, we examined the impact of parental support, person-organization fit, and internship quality on internship satisfaction. Exploratory factor analysis revealed distinct dimensions within each construct: parental support (emotional, verbal, and career-related), person-organization fit (work environment, personality, and value congruence), and internship quality (mentorship, student benefits, and program organization). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that all three factors significantly predicted internship satisfaction, with Internship Quality exhibiting the most decisive influence. While significant, parental support had a minor effect on person-organization fit and internship quality. These findings highlight the importance of creating supportive family environments, fostering organizational alignment, and providing high-quality, structured internships to enhance student experiences and career preparedness in Thai tourism. The study offers valuable insights for families, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders seeking to optimize internship programs and ensure student success in tourism. Further research could explore qualitative perspectives and expand the geographical scope to enhance generalizability.
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