Postmaterial values and career aspirations in tourism: Generation-Y tourism professionals in Hong Kong

Recent political movements in Hong Kong suggest a postmaterial value shift in the younger generation, from pursuing material affluence to a greater concern for autonomy, self-expression, and quality of life. This study examined the values and career aspirations of Generation-Y tourism professionals through postmaterialism and intergenerational value change. In-depth interviews revealed differences in the views of older and younger Gen-Y and three types of career aspirations: Corporate job, Entrepreneurship, and “Slash” careers. Findings demonstrated the material/postmaterial shifts from teenage to mid-adulthood, and how values were shaped by: student versus working life, tourism work experience, social changes, and specific social events.