An Exploratory Study of Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Professional Etiquette

ABSTRACT

This study explored hospitality and tourism stakeholders’ perceptions of professional etiquette. A survey was completed by stakeholders, including students, educators, and industry professionals, that asked them to share their perceptions of professional etiquette, viewed as a component of soft skills needed for careers in today’s dynamic, global hospitality industry. The results of this study provide insights into what hospitality and tourism stakeholders believe are important aspects of professional etiquette and have implications for possible ways that hospitality and tourism educators can develop effective educational tools and experiences regarding professional etiquette to assist in the development of students’ knowledge and practices of professional etiquette. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that hospitality and tourism educators seriously consider intentionally accentuating professional etiquette throughout the curriculum.

KEYWORDS:

• Professional etiquette
• soft skills
• stakeholders
• students