Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationships among Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in Hospitality, Green Mindset, and Sustainable Hospitality Competencies among Generation Z hospitality management students in Thailand. Drawing upon relevant theories and empirical literature, the conceptual framework was developed to investigate both direct and indirect effects of WIL in Hospitality towards students' Sustainable Hospitality Competencies, mediated by Green Mindset. Data were collected from 409 hospitality students through a structured questionnaire. They all had participated in WIL programs. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that WIL in Hospitality had significant positive effects on both Green Mindset and Sustainable Hospitality Competencies. Additionally, Green Mindset demonstrated a significant mediating role in the relationship between WIL Hospitality Internships and Sustainable Hospitality Competencies, indicating its critical function as a psychological pathway that enhances students' competency development toward sustainable hospitality practices. These findings extend the theoretical understanding of WIL and Green Mindset integration, and offer practical implications for educational institutes in hospitality and industry practitioners to design WIL programs and learning experiences for future hospitality professionals in enhancing their professional skills and sustainability-oriented mindsets.