Ethics in Tourism

Lecture at the University
of Applied Sciences in Munich

Last month, upon invitation by the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, I had the pleasure of lecturing on one of my favourite subjects: “Ethics in Tourism – Acting Responsibly in the Business Environment”.

The full-day seminar was attended by 25 students of the University’s Department of Tourism, most of them having recently completed their final internship in placements around the world.

Cover Page of the Presentation
(in German)

In the beginning, the students expressed only limited expectations regarding a potentially boring lecture about ethical principles. However, the initial discussion round quickly showed the relevance of the topic to each (future) professional in the tourism business. Even more so, it became clear that the basis for ethical behaviour is laid already at earlier stages such as school and university. This coincides with the findings of Harvard professor Howard Gardner who strongly doubts that a student cheating in his exams will fundamentally change his behaviour later in the career.

During the seminar, the following topics were covered, igniting lively discussions amongst the students in relation to their personal experiences in work and life:

• Relevance of ethical behaviour
  
• Theoretical background on business ethics
  
• Corporate ethics programmes (e.g. CRS)
  
• Codes of ethics in tourism
  
• Ethical behaviour in the work place

The final feedback from the students towards the topic and the lecture was fundamentally positive. Most participants stated that they were surprised by the strong relevance of ethical principles in regard to university, work and even daily life.

When asked for their key learning experience of the day, most students stated the “unexpected relation” of business ethics to their individual behaviour as well as the “strongly risen awareness” for the complexity of decision making processes and their implications.

Fuelled by the positive comments of the students, my next lectures on the subject of “Ethics in Tourism” will certainly see even more dedication to the practical application in everyday work – looking forward to create increasing awareness for such an essential and fundamental driver of personal satisfaction and success in (work) life.


Andreas Hauser