Tourism Faculty/Eskisehir Osmangazi University | Turkey
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seher Konak is an accomplished academic in the field of tourism management, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Tourism, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Türkiye. With extensive contributions to research, teaching, and academic development, she has established herself as a prominent figure in tourism studies, particularly in areas concerning organizational behavior, social capital, competitive strategies, and the impact of modern technologies on the tourism and hospitality sector. Her academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to advancing tourism research and contributing to the development of sustainable and innovative practices within the industry.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Konak holds a Doctorate in Tourism Administration from Eskişehir Osmangazi University, where she conducted research on the influence of external social capital on firm performance with a focus on competitive strategies in hotels. She also completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a thesis exploring job satisfaction and organizational commitment among public sector employees. Her academic foundation was laid at Abant Izzet Baysal University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. Her education reflects a progressive and research-oriented trajectory, equipping her with expertise in both management and tourism-specific studies.
Experience
Her professional career spans roles from Research Assistant to Assistant Professor, and ultimately Associate Professor at the Faculty of Tourism, Eskişehir Osmangazi University. Dr. Konak has been actively involved in academic projects, research initiatives, and scientific studies focusing on tourism management. She has collaborated on several national projects exploring the effects of social capital on business performance and has contributed to various international and national conferences, presenting papers on tourism development, employee well-being, and organizational strategies. Her academic positions have allowed her to mentor students, guide research, and contribute significantly to curriculum development in tourism education.
Research Interest
Dr. Konak’s research interests encompass a diverse range of themes within tourism management and hospitality studies. These include external social capital and its impact on firm performance, competitive strategies in hospitality businesses, employee well-being factors such as boreout and job stress, tourism during crises (including the COVID-19 pandemic), online learning readiness among tourism students, and the integration of smart technologies and artificial intelligence in hotels and tourism destinations. Her work also reflects a strong interest in bibliometric analysis, publication ethics, and the evolving dynamics of tourism trends including Airbnb usage, glamping, and medical tourism.
Awards
Throughout her career, Dr. Konak has been recognized for her contributions to tourism research through her involvement in significant scientific projects and her publications in highly respected journals indexed in SSCI, ESCI, and other peer-reviewed platforms. While specific awards are not listed, her elevation to Associate Professor and her continuous involvement in impactful research projects and book chapters indicate her professional recognition and academic excellence within the field of tourism management.
Publications
Konak, S. (2021). Turizm Eğitimi Alan Lisans Öğrencilerinin Covid-19 Salgını Ortasında Çevrim içi Öğrenmeye Bakış Açıları: ESOGÜ Turizm Fakültesi Örneği. Journal of Gastronomy, Hospitality and Travel.
Konak, S., Özhasar, Y. (2021). Akıllı (Smart) Turizm Destinasyonları. Turizmde Araştırma Temaları.
Konak, S. (2018). Managerial social networks affect on firm performance: A research in five star hotels. International Journal of Business and Applied Social Science (IJBASS).
Konak, S., Kılıç, Ö. (2023). Otel Çalışanlarında Kariyer Uyumluluğunun Algılanan İş Stresine Etkisinde İş Yerinde Sıkılmanın Aracılık Rolü. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Issues.
Konak, S., Çiçek, D. (2025). The perspective of traditional restaurateurs on smart applications. Current Issues in Tourism.
Gasimov, İ., Konak, S. (2025). Evaluation of Smart Hotels with SWOT Analysis in the Context of Regenerative Tourism. 5th International Karadeniz Scientific Research and Innovation Congress.
Conclusion
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seher Konak has made substantial contributions to tourism and hospitality research, with a strong focus on innovation, ethics, and employee well-being in the tourism industry. Her academic career reflects a dedication to advancing knowledge, fostering critical research skills among students, and promoting sustainable and smart practices in tourism management. Through her extensive publications, conference participation, and project involvement, she continues to influence both the academic community and industry practices, making her a significant contributor to the evolving landscape of tourism research and education.