Well-being at work in high-pressure tourism settings: A mixed-methods study of leadership, environment, and performance in Bali's MICE industry

Abstract

This study examines whether the happy–productive worker thesis applies to Bali's high-pressure Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, survey data from 146 professionals were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling, while semi-structured interviews with 18 practitioners were thematically analysed. Supportive and transformational leadership were positively associated with work satisfaction and employee performance. However, work satisfaction was not significantly associated with mental health; instead, mental health was associated with employee performance and the physical work environment. Qualitative findings indicated that competence, supportive supervision, adequate resources, and ergonomic conditions were important for managing event-related demands. These findings qualify the happy–productive worker thesis and extend Job Demands–Resources theory and Self-Determination Theory in a culturally embedded, project-based tourism setting. Because the study was cross-sectional and the sample was predominantly Generation Z, causal inferences and generalisability are limited. Leadership development and workplace-design improvements warrant attention, while longitudinal and cross-cultural research is needed.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2026 · DOI ↗