Describe the differences between a statute, ordinance, and regulation. Find one example online of a recent statute that is related to the hospitality industry. Discuss and describe the purpose and scope of the legislation. This prompt requires you to do some online research, use current/credible references and describe the information in your own words with no direct quotes.
- Identify one setting in hospitality (for example a hotel or restaurant) and a specific problem that needs to be solved. Discuss how a manager could use the STEM process to address the problem and reduce liability for an organization. Use specific details from the chapter in your own words throughout your response.
- Provide an example of an ethical dilemma faced by a manager in hospitality. Work through the ethical decision making process from Chapter 1 to resolve the ethical dilemma, providing analysis for each of the 7-steps. Use specific details from the chapter in your own words throughout your response
Full Answer Section
Regulations:
- Created by administrative agencies at the federal, state, or local level.
- Highly detailed, interpreting and implementing statutes and ordinances.
- Examples: Food safety regulations, building codes, licensing requirements.
Recent Hospitality Statute Example:
The Fair Play for Public Service Workers Act (H.R. 842), passed in November 2023, amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to guarantee overtime pay for tipped workers like waiters and waitresses. Its purpose is to address income inequality and improve working conditions in the hospitality industry. Its scope applies to employers of tipped workers across the country.
- STEM Process Solution:
Setting: Hotel with high food waste in its buffet restaurant.
Problem: Waste leads to financial loss, environmental impact, and negative guest perception.
STEM Process Implementation:
- Define the problem: Quantify food waste through measurements and guest feedback.
- Research: Analyze industry best practices, consult sustainability experts, and study guest preferences.
- Brainstorm: Ideas include portion control strategies, menu optimization, innovative food reuse, and composting programs.
- Test and iterate: Implement trial runs of promising solutions, monitor results, and adapt based on feedback.
- Evaluate: Assess the effectiveness of implemented solutions in reducing waste and improving sustainability.
This process allows the manager to identify the root cause, explore options, and implement evidence-based solutions, minimizing food waste and reducing liability associated with environmental damage or health concerns.
- Ethical Dilemma Example:
Manager Dilemma: A guest demands a refund due to a minor room issue, but their online review threatens significant damage to the hotel's reputation.
Ethical Decision Making Process:
- Identify the stakeholders: Guest, hotel staff, other guests, online platforms.
- Gather facts: Investigate the room issue and verify the review threat.
- Identify alternative options: Offer repair, alternative room, partial refund, address review privately.
- Analyze consequences: Each option has reputational and financial implications.
- Consider ethical principles: Fairness, honesty, transparency, accountability to stakeholders.
- Make a decision: Choose the option that balances fairness to the guest with protecting the hotel's reputation and adhering to ethical principles.
- Monitor and evaluate: Assess the outcome and adjust future actions based on learnings.
Following this process ensures a considered and ethical decision, minimizing potential harm to any stakeholder and upholding the hotel's values.
Remember, these are just examples. The specific statutes, problems, and dilemmas you encounter will vary depending on your location and specific hospitality setting. It's important to research and apply critical thinking to each situation.