University Lecture: Tourism Planning & Development

Business Ethics in Tourism

Acting Responsibly in the Work Environment

Lecture University of Trier / Germany

April 2011

Andreas Hauser MBA

"Ethics is boring". This is the usual first reaction I get when I start my lectures on the subject of business ethics. And also usually, this first judgement does not last very long – few other topics question the individual value system of students in such depth and make them re-think their own way of thinking and acting in daily life. 

 
Initial Brainstorming on Ethics

Just before Easter, I was invited by Andreas Kagermeier from the University of Trier, Germany, to hold a 1.5 day lecture for bachelor and master student on the subject of "Ethics in Tourism". 

All the above mentioned topics were covered in a lively and interactive seminar:

• Introduction to business ethics
• Stakeholder analysis
• Codes of conduct
• Sustainable tourism planning
• Corporate social responsibility
• Value-based education and management
• Trust and responsibility 
• Ethical decision-making in daily work and life

The importance of ethics and responsible tourism in rising, making it one of the growth areas of social concern and economic importance:

The economic citizen with integrity, as postulated by Peter Ulrich,'s intergrative corporate ethics, requires critical behaviour of each individual in their roles as consumer, investor and employee. 

"I have personal responsibility" is the key principle in every aspect of daily work and life – countering the typical argument that one person alone cannot make a change. Where should we start if not with ourselves?

And as if to prove these words, I found right in the city center of Trier the current campaign of H&M, proving that also large companies have recognised the social trend towards a more ethically favourable behaviour. 

The seminar was very animated and interactive throughout the 1.5 days, and left the students with a good impression of its contents. This result is reflected in the highly positive students' feedback: 

For queries regarding lectures and seminar on the topic of "Business Ethics" just contact me! 

 

Andreas Hauser

Management Consultant | Intercultural Trainer | University Lecturer

www.developingculture.com