Human Resource Management Cost Practice and Operational Efficiency of Hospitality Industry in Ondo State, Nigeria

The study examines the relationship between human resource management cost practices and operational efficiency of the hospitality industry in Ondo State, Nigeria. The study employed survey research design with the population of 449 registered hotels in Ondo State, Nigeria (Ondo State Ministry of Commerce, 2023). The sample size was purposively done to select a sample of 80 hotel managers as the respondents from the high-ranking hotels in the Ondo State. The study employed purposive and quota sampling techniques to gather information via questionnaires. The reliability of the instrument was established through validation by the supervisor, and a Cronbach alpha test revealed a high-reliability score of (.891). Data analysis was conducted using descriptive, factor analysis, and ANOVA methods to test the research hypotheses. The statistical tool employed was SPSS 22.0 version. The study revealed a significant and positive relationship between these variables. Consequently, the study rejects the proposed null hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. The findings contribute to the existing empirical, theoretical, and practical literature, offering new insights to future researchers and benefiting Nigerian hotel and hospitality managers. The study recommends that hotel managers understand cost-saving strategies and consumer demands to enhance the effectiveness of the hotels. Additionally, improving human resource management cost practices throughout the hospitality sector will aid in keeping tourists informed about industry developments. The study further suggests identifying potential practices and techniques within human resource management that could benefit hotels in the hospitality sector, proposing a new conceptual framework for cost-effective practices. Encouraging adherence to industry regulations will improve the sector's effectiveness in Nigeria and position managers as integral policymakers within the hotel industry. Keywords: Human Resource, Management, Cost Practices, Efficiency and Hospitality Industry