Abstract
Purpose – This study investigates the perception of a living wage on hospitality
employees’ recognition and dignity at work, by considering the relationship
between wage moderation and responsible consumption, wage sufficiency,
workplace respect and treatment and employee dignity at work.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative cross-sectional research design
with primary data collection was used employing a structured questionnaire
with 206 hospitality employees in Nepal. The study utilized descriptive
statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis techniques to
investigate the relationship between variables and test hypotheses.
Findings – The results show that Living Wage Sufficiency (β = 0.174), Wage
Moderation and Responsible Consumption (β = 0.325), and Workplace Respect
and Treatment (β = 0.453) significantly impact Recognition and Dignity at Work.
Workplace Respect and Treatment is identified as the strongest predictor,
contributing to a model that explains 77.9% of the variance in employee dignity.
A strong positive correlation (r = 0.838) exists between Workplace Respect and
Treatment and Recognition and Dignity at Work.
Conclusion – Employee dignity and recognition in hospitality are strongly
enhanced when workplaces combine respectful treatment with fair, sufficient,
and responsibly managed wage conditions. While workplace respect is the
most influential factor, wage sufficiency and moderation remain essential and
independent contributors to employees’ sense of value and dignity at work.
Implications – The study has several important theoretical as well as practical
implications. Theoretically, the study extends the Kantian dignity and attitude
theories by providing empirical validation of the multidimensionality of
workplace dignity in a developing country context. Practically, it highlights
the importance for hospitality organizations to create a respectful workplace
culture in addition to maintaining fair, adequate, and transparent wage-related
practices to enhance employee dignity and recognition.
Keywords – Employee dignity, Living wage perception, Living wage sufficiency,
Responsible consumption, Wage moderation, Workplace respect

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