Ethical leadership in a morally driven hospitality organisational culture .

Ethics is clearly an important component of sustainable business operations. In hospitality businesses practices, the operators of for example, hotels, are expected to uphold business practices that are both honest and also just as they strive to maximize profits. Hotel managers are expected to provide ethical leadership, and promote an organisational culture in which ‘doing the right thing’ becomes the natural course of action irrespective of other factors which may promote the justification of ethical malpractices. Today’s hospitality industry is highly competitive, and it is often the case that intense competition between diverse brands can lead to compromises in hotel ethics. Where there is no ethical role-modelling and generally a lack of ethics and integrity in hotel operations, this invariably leads to decreased trust in management and sets the tone for a rapid downward spiral in business performance. Managers and employees, due to the often exhaustive face-to-face exchanges with guests, face a range of ethical dilemmas in their daily operations. The article surveys ethical hotel leadership in relation to organizational culture and how this can promote integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, reputation, customer loyalty, fair practices, environmental sustainability, and respect for others. Suggestions are offered on the many benefits of ethical leadership for hotels and other hospitality businesses, irrespective of size. The purpose of this review was not to extend the preceding literature review, but rather to look at the factors and constructs which may impact on ethical behavior in hotels and to offer recommendations

Travel and the Chinese outbound tourism market: Governance and Ethical considerations

The rapid growth of China’s outbound tourism market is appealing to developing nations such as South Africa. The academic literature is still limited in this area and studies on China’s outbound tourism are equally limited in number and in scope. Chinese outbound tourism is fixated on group travel for both long- and short-haul outbound travel. Chinese travellers tend to select the perceived safety and convenience of packaged tours from China and the presumed expertise of the travel agents with whom they conduct business. However, it is often the case that tourists are disillusioned with their ultimate travel experiences as many fall victims to unscrupulous operators, travel agents and guides in China, and other stakeholders who exploit them. China is striving towards and can and should become a promoter of ethics in business as it is rapidly emerging as an economic dynamo. Thus, the ethical rules which the Chinese assimilate into their business’ practices will and do have a global influence. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current knowledge in the area of Chinese governance, and business ethics as it relates to the travel business and especially to outbound tourism, and to provide some directions for future research in this area. To achieve the objective, the paper has been structured as follows. It first briefly looks at Chinese tourism to South Africa and its value given its Approved Destination Status (ADS). This is followed by briefly looking at some problematic areas in tourism. Following this, governance in China is investigated with the aim of attempting to determine desired Chinese operational practices based on Confucianism and CSR. This is followed by an assessment of Guanxi in present day China. Lastly, the researchers’ provide suggestions for future research and discuss the implications of the work to travel practitioners.Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL

Gender pay discrimination in the hospitality industry in South Africa.

This article documents laws and codes of practice regulating pay discrimination in South Africa, as well as the applicable international laws pertaining to gender pay discrimination. The legal application of international law is explained and the practical application of international and domestic law pertaining to gender pay discrimination is discussed. Gender pay discrimination is particularly rife in the hospitality industry, given the prevalence of sex-typed jobs and the resulting intensified relevance of gender pay discrimination to be found there. Gender inequality is generally based on archaic notions of male superiority and other similar, highly conservative and fallacious notions. It is clear that gender stereotyping and other unfair notions are precluding women from breaking “glass ceilings” in the industry – something that is ironic given that the majority of employees in hospitality are, in any event, women. Women should be assisted to address work–life balance and to have equal opportunity for upward mobility in the industry. The practical advantages and better access to justice relating to such issues that have arisen as a consequence of recent amendments to South African legislation are discussed.Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL

Frankenstein and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR): Ethics and Human Rights Considerations

The “Fourth Industrial Revolution” (4IR) is an expression, which is now used to frame and assess the impact of emergent technologies in the 21st century. The rapidity and quantity of changes that are occurring will result in socio-economic and also political upheavals as there are likely to be increasing shifts in power dynamics, wealth acquisition, and information. This is clearly a foremost transformation in society, and especially the IT worldview demands appropriate ethical insights, actions and sanction. If we are conversant about the vicissitudes and the rate of their occurrence, society will be better placed to try to ensure that advances in technology will benefit all stakeholders. How organisations are likely to respond to the 4IR and its ethical challenges, especially human rights’, is critical. It is certain that management in for example a hotel will need to understand and consider which technologies may affect them and whether there are opportunities or threats to be faced through the 4IR. Drawing on scholarship in an extensive range of disciplines, this article examines the 4IR and how it will impact on human rights and be accommodated within existing legal frameworks pertaining to labour issues. The study has been based on an interpretivistic paradigm which is phenomenological, and in which reality is socially constructed, and thus consists of multiple realities. There is thus a hermeneutic and subjective understanding and interpretation of texts. Epistemologically considered, knowledge is viewed as subjective and relative, and many truths and ‘knowledges’ exist depending on one’s perspective and social context. Axiologically then, this conceptual literature study is valuable as it reflects human subjectivities relating to and deliberating upon the foremost features of the 4IR and the various challenges posed by both ethical and human rights perspectives

Sustainable Ethical Tourism (SET) and Rural Community Involvement

Tourism is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing sectors globally and is viewed as a desirable proposed investment option. Rural tourism is one type of tourism that has numerous potential benefits for including employment growth, an extended economic base, repopulation, social development, and a revival in local crafts. The rural tourism sector in particular, is an important area to consider given the ever-mounting unemployment in South Africa. This sector could and should play a greater role in the tourism development strategy of the government. The economy of South Africa is using tourism as part of it’s a development strategy and thus needs good environmental management to be in place and this must be both effective and efficient. Additionally, within this notion, the issue of mindfulness should be further promoted so that greater emphasis can be placed upon mindfulness-based tourism products leading to greater sustainability of the industry and the environment. This research provides a synopsis of rural tourism, varieties of tourism, and the benefits for rural communities and national economic development using Agenda 21. This paper is based on an extensive literature research methodology where existing literature including popular journals, websites, academic peer–reviewed journals and other related scholarly works, and any other sources relevant to the issue of rural tourism. was used to gather data and to analyse it. The epistemological basis of the study was interpretivistic. The researcher provides a description, summary, and critical evaluation in relation to the theme. The paper recommends best practices leading to ethical sustainable tourism development

YHWH, Redemption and the narrative history of Jonah and the ‘whale’

The Book of Jonah questions an elementary, persistent issue, as to how YHWH’s revelation may be interpreted and accepted as being clear on what sin constitutes and what is immoral or moral. The work expresses the notion that people are responsible for their actions and need to assume responsibility for what they undertake. The book of Jonah shows that YHWH is morally strong and also highly compassionate and understanding. True repentance for sin is not based on human conduct alone since YHWH plays a key role in atonement. The creator is also very concerned about all the creatures He has made and not only humans. The book of Jonah prompts us to note that theological understanding is demonstrated in a person’s actions and attitude towards challenges in life. Only once wisdom is attained by us, is YHWH’s desire known to us. Although repentance is a very important theme in this book when individuals and entire nations sin, it is ultimately their contrition and atonement with YHWH that leads to forgiveness for all their misdemeanours. The book is more than a story of an unlovable man, but rather a challenge to an entire people to understand that the covenant relationship with YHWH was not only for His ‘chosen people’

Research and Innovation – the drivers of economic development

Research and development are critical fueling innovation and national development and economic growth, but there also needs to be apolitical will to succeed. Furthermore there must be a strong synergy between academia and industry. Thus, for research to yield practical fruits, the results must enlighten and mould socio-economic policies and be readily adaptable to the needs of society. Is scientific research being conducted that impacts positively on society, that saves lives? Are there increasing numbers of technological innovations that make South African companies more competitive? Does social science research enlighten public policy? Does current humanities research support the arts and culture? Do ideas emanate from South Africa that improve the quality of life domestically and gobally? South Africa‟s Universities in particular have a vital role to play in developing the nation and they are critical to success in a knowledge-based economy

The Laos tou Theou – an orthodox view of the ‘people of God’

The creation of the Ekklesia by the incarnate logos of God created a new and unique relationship with God’s people that allows humanity to enter into the Covenant and to become part of the ‘people of God’ (Laos tou Theou). Who is the Ekklesia? Is it the entire body of believers in Christ? Who are the chosen race, the royal priesthood and the holy nation of God? If the Ekklesia is the new Laos tou Theou, does its being so cancel out the initial covenant given to the nation of Israel? Is the nation of Israel still ‘God’s people’? This article strives to provide answers to the above questions by providing a discourse analytic approach to the theme. It is clear from the research that the Ekklesia remain the Laos tou Theou, comprising the entire corpus of Christ and the entire communion (or fellowship [koinonia]) of all of the disciples of Jesus. Essentially, all baptised believers are part of the chosen race and the royal priesthood, which form the holy nation of God. All of us are equally called by God to belong to his ‘people’.http://www.hts.org.zahb201

Authenticity and the tourist’s search for Being

The purpose of this article is to provide a broad overview and opinion on the term ‘authenticity’within the context of the Tourism industry and tourist expectations and it draws on extensive literature on the topic. An attempt to define ‘authenticity’ is indeed an intricate assignment; it clearly has different meanings in different cultures, societies, and in diverse settings. It is thus important to examine the term ‘authenticity’. One of the main reason people travel abroad is to enjoy an “authentic” experience. They imagine travelling abroad and living in accommodation which is slightly different, tasting unique cuisines and participating in local activities while absorbing diverse cultures. The concept of authenticity has been debated in tourism literature for over four decades and the term ‘authenticity’ has a multiplicity of definitions. Tourists generally seek an authentic experience in which they can go beyond what Maslow termed ‘selfactualization’ and in fact discover a true sense of Being. Recognizing the great importance of authenticity is an opportunity for Africa’s tourism industry and the desire of tourists to ‘find themselves’ by linking with authentic heritage, cultures and traditions presents huge opportunities for especially local communities. Tourists are not impressed by inauthentic pseudo sites and objects and tourism offerings and such like, and will travel to destinations that offer authenticity

The critical role of ethics training in medical education

When one thinks of the issue of medical ethics the Hippocratic Oath comes to mind. In terms of this oath, one would assume that the goal of medical ethics is to improve the quality of patient care by means of the identification and analysis, and hopefully resolution of any ethical complications that arise in the course of medical practice. This is not always the case and sadly, many Physicians' are unhappy with the practice of medicine and its ethical obligations. Such attitudes may have severe public health implications for the South African medical profession. It is thus essential to provide even more effective ethics training which includes moral reasoning during medical school and residency training. At a time when there appears to be less public confidence in doctors and where practitioner morale is at an all-time low, and patients complain of substandard medical treatment, it is important to reconsider the question of medical ethics. This paper seeks to scrutinize the principles of the Hippocratic Oath and questions whether medical practitioners of contemporary medicine adhere to its principles and are taught ethics during their medical courses. This will provide a greater understanding of the role of modern medical ethics education in promoting ethical practice