As a humanist, I believe in free agency so I can't argue that all hospitality managers should have the same philosophy. With my existentialist leanings, I believe in each person creating their own meaning and realities—all the while striving to be authentic in all their relationships. Both of the philosophical platforms that I embrace encourage a strong degree of freedom and personal responsibility. As an industry, hospitality offers a unique perspective of people's lives—separated from their quotidian affairs and concerns. When people travel or seek entertainment outside of their home, they are vulnerable to many elements that under more typical circumstances would not influence them. It does seem that any hospitality manager can contribute positively to the experiences of these people, regardless of their philosophical orientation—or, perhaps, because of it.
Personal Philosophy - Tourism
Which philosophical school of thought (Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism, Naturalism, Existentialism, Humanism) best presents your own set of beliefs at this time of your professional preparation and why?
I consider myself to be predominantly a humanist. I am interested in helping people use their personal agency for the best overall outcomes. My knowledge of history is limited but it does include some exposure to the major religions in the world. I am mostly discouraged by what I have learned. Empowered by their religious beliefs, people engage in horrific acts against one another and assert that they are compelled and even sanctified by their religions to behave in those ways. Humanism is based on reason, ethics, and justice that do not originate from religious doctrine. But it seems to me that as the various religions were formed, that faith was developed from logical human reasoning as much as from supernatural events. The basic tenets of the main religions are logical and based in earthly reality. Take, for instance, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This is a reasoned directive that has clear implications for civic order and the public good. There is nothing supernatural about it -- rather the directive is based in independent human agency. Say that one person does not follow this "golden" rule. Simple reasoning would establish a chain of stimulus -- response. Undesirable stimulus behavior triggers an undesirable response. Now, religion would interrupt that behavior chain by suggesting the person "wronged" turn the other cheek. But, here again, is evidence of human agency. A person is free to respond to the undesirable behavior or not. It is the individual freedom and agency of human that allows them to reject pre-ordained rules or commandments unless they can also consider the consequences of those rules. Too many really terrible things have been done to people in the name of religion. Without the influence of religion, would these same horrible things have happened? The universality of human values suggests that they would not -- at least not on a normative basis. The human need to belong is so strong that it may cause them to conform even when it is not reasonable to do so -- and when it does not contribute to their welfare or the welfare of others. I believe that people are basically good, and they may be characterized by an innate need to make the world a better place.
2. How was your philosophical approach to Hospitality changed since you entered the major?
I have leaned more toward existentialism in the past. Yet, now I realize that existentialism and humanism are not so very far apart. If, in existentialism, a person is free to create his or her own meaning, this implies personal agency -- a humanist attribute. So I have moved in my philosophical thinking to considering that a person is neither wholly good nor wholly bad, since they can change their orientation completely, as they choose, to orient to the positive, as all good humanists believe people do. With respect to hospitality, I recognize that the influence I can have over the experiences of guests, clients, and customers in industry is really quite broad and deep. I have moved from a focus on getting the details right to looking at the big picture, which ultimately has a more robust influence on the lives of people. This perspective has enabled me to examine my skill set and determine whether they are a good fit with my position. More than ever before, I am able to ask how the client is doing -- and really mean it. Moreover, I am more open to hearing what the customers have to say. That this is true is indicative of the way and the extent to which my ancient ideas have
3. What is the value of Hospitality for individual participants?
There is great satisfaction to be derived from contributing to the happiness of customers and potential customers. In this examination of my philosophy, I have become accurately aware of how much influence I can have over the lives of others when they enter the hospitality context of their choice. An unexpected benefit is the appreciation of others that is part of figuring out how to engage with customers for maximum benefit. Understanding how to enhance people's lives is great platform for understanding how to enhance one's own life and to determine what is of value. For participants in the hospitality program, the benefits are numerous and deep. For instance, there are many opportunities to learn how to operate different agencies that focus on supporting people in distinct contexts and establishing long-lasting relationships with clients and former clients. For people who participate in the hospitality programs also benefit by acquiring the supports they need to promote their business.
4. What role should government play in your philosophical approach to Hospitality?
One of most important roles that government can take with respect to hospitality is regulatory. Businesses and citizens around the world have experienced the impact of insufficient regulation. Regardless of what people have to say about regulation and de-regulation, government must continue to be the strong arm of implementation behind regulations that are essential to the health of global economy. As a humanist, I believe that people are naturally oriented toward creative pursuits and generating benefit for people. This said, there are always people who enjoy wielding control over others and enjoy even more deriving money from that control. As a free agent, I can apply my personal agency to my work, to problem solving, and to decision-making. Taking this position ensures that I will place myself in a position to be responsible for the outcomes of my decisions and for the outcomes that result from my indecision. Moreover, government can work with countries across the glove to ensure that regulations involving trade are established and -- as much as possible in the current environment -- ensure that regulations are beneficial to the environment, to the stakeholders of the hospitality business, and to global business arena.
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