Ethics and Leadership in Hotel Management

In most situations, it is easy to determine the most profitable option for a hotel. But is it the right decision? Increasingly, leaders are being called upon to do what is best for all stakeholders: shareholders, employees, guests, the community and, of course, the environment. In this context, it is no longer enough to simply be a Leader. Being an ethical hotel leader is imperative. Ethical decision-making is part of a winning Hospitality strategy. It can make the difference between hoteliers who look after only themselves and those who collaborate to achieve the hotel’s common, shared goals. It also improves trust and increases job satisfaction. Ignoring ethics has serious consequences for hotels. But what is ethical leadership in hotels? Ethical hotel leadership is the application of ethics to the hotel organization. Leaders place what is right before what is profitable or efficient. Ethical leadership in hotels can be difficult, as it sometimes requires disrupting what is expected. A hotel organization must cultivate an environment in which ethical behaviour is encouraged. Hotel leaders must not only promote ethical behaviour, but also demonstrate ethical decision-making at the top of their company’s organization. Leaders who embrace and foster ethics ask their employees to look beyond their own interests and work for the common good of investors, hotel guests and fellow hoteliers. Results show that ethical hotel leaders create greater satisfaction when they are involved, reduce employee turnover and are more likely to achieve their goals. Ethical leaders must be role models for their organizations. An ethical leader inherently trusts that employees will do the right thing. An ethical leader provides information as clearly and transparently as possible. An ethical hotel leader focuses on the wellbeing of their team. An ethical hotel leader demonstrates consistency. No one receives special treatment. An ethical leader demonstrates the traits they want other employees to follow. Unethical behaviour is not tolerated. An ethical leader helps their team build their own sense of self-worth.