Ethical & Regulatory Aspects of Hospitality/ Tourism Business

ETHICAL & REGULATORY ASPECTS OF HOSPITALITY / TOURISM BUSINESS

  • Presenter: Nicholas Imbeah (PhD; FOSHA)
  • Position: Senior Lecturer – Tourism Management Department, Takoradi Technical University
  • Year: 2026

THE NATURE OF BUSINESS ETHICS

  • Presented by: Adwen, Akoma N
  • Institution: Takoradi Technical University

Understanding Moral Standards

Definition of Moral Standards

  • Moral standards involve the rules individuals adhere to regarding actions deemed ethically right or wrong.
  • These encompass the values that workers or people assign to various actions or objects, which they perceive as morally or ethically good or bad.
  • Moral standards generally pertain to serious wrongdoings or significant benefits to individuals or society.

Features of Moral Standards

  • The derived moral standards include the following:
    • Honesty in Communication: Transparency and truthfulness in interactions.
    • Fair Treatment: Just and equitable treatment of all individuals.
    • Special Consideration: Offering additional care or recognition to certain individuals or groups.
    • Fair Business Competition: Engaging in business practices that do not unfairly disadvantage competitors.
    • Organizational Responsibility: The obligation of organizations to consider the impact of their actions on society.
    • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The commitment to improve community well-being through discretionary business practices and contributions.
    • Respect for Law: Adhering to laws and regulations governing business practices.

Non-Moral Standards

Definition of Non-Moral Standards

  • Non-moral standards refer to rules that lack moral or ethical connections.
  • These standards may be unrelated to morality or inherently devoid of ethical considerations.
  • Common examples include:
    • Rules of etiquette (social norms of behavior).
    • Fashion standards (trends in clothing).
    • Rules in games (guidelines for play).
    • Household rules (family regulations).

Comparison of Moral and Non-Moral Standards

Examples

  • Moral Claim: "Abortion is wrong because it involves the killing of a human being."
  • Non-Moral Claim: "Red lipstick is the right color for you."
  • Additional Considerations:
    • On Fridays, Ghanaians typically wear African print/dresses/attires.
    • On Christmas day, lecturers at TTU provide cooked rice to students.
    • Instances where students copy assignments and answers from peers.
    • Concerns regarding chop bar sellers mixing new food with stale stock.
    • Notable fact that some hospitality/tourism students do not participate in field trips.

Explanation of Moral Standards

  • Moral Standards = NORMS + VALUES
    • Moral standards deal with matters that can severely harm or benefit human beings.
    • They exist independently of authorities and are not established or modified by them.
    • They consist of general rules about actions or behaviors and represent enduring beliefs about what is good and desirable.
    • Moral standards are favored over other values due to their significance and impartiality.

Characteristics of Moral Standards

  • Moral standards address subjects with serious implications affecting society, the environment, and the workplace, regardless of whether such implications are beneficial or harmful.
  • They are self-regulatory, meaning they encourage individuals to govern their own behavior according to these standards.
  • The basis of moral standards lies in impartial considerations, ensuring no bias exists in their application.

Distinction Between Moral and Non-Moral Standards

  • Moral standards carry an inherent obligation where individuals have no right to impose their beliefs on others.
  • Non-moral standards allow for individual choice without ethical obligations to enforce compliance on others.

Conclusion: Importance of Ethics in Hospitality/Tourism

  • Adherence to both moral and non-moral standards is critical in fostering an ethical environment within the hospitality and tourism sectors.
  • Ethical considerations not only guide business practices but also enhance reputation, customer loyalty, and social responsibility.