Challenges in international hospitality management education

Abstract

Today, hospitality educators are faced with various challenges. Understanding multi‐ethnic and multi‐national student mentality is seen as the key challenge for educators involved in international hospitality management education. A new model which aims at ensuring productive interactions with host communities is presented. The author’s own model is recommended for international hoteliers and international hospitality educators working in foreign countries. Among criticisms of management education is the wrong usage of the term “international” to describe “local” hospitality management programmes. The importance of balancing theory and practice is emphasized. The notion of treating students as customers is rejected. Instead, viewing the industry as the customer is advocated. Hospitality educators are prompted to publish “industry‐friendly” and “action‐learned” research relevant to current problems. The action learning circle model is presented as a guideline for academics. Finally, a nine‐point formula is recommended for academics involved in international hospitality management education.

Citation

Jayawardena, C. (2001), "Challenges in international hospitality management education", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 13 No. 6, pp. 310-315. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000005967