Hospitality Management Education: Theory, Technocracy And Theatre

Abstract

This paper suggests that many existing hospitality management courses are strongly based on business administration principles and a manufacturing operations approach. It reviews the range of research and literature now available relating to service industries and identifies key features, such as organizational climate, script theory and the “servuction” concept. These key factors should play a much greater role in hospitality education, using learning methods based on the idea of “theatre” - simulation, role play, drama, debates and practical exercises. In addition, the common boundaries between subject areas should be broken down and “repackaged” to create a more holistic view of hospitality service provision. The paper concludes with a course outline and examples of the theatrical approach to hospitality management teaching.