Towards a new interpretation of “hospitality”

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to discover a truer meaning of genuine hospitality, addressing the issue of whether or not a better understanding can help to steer the hospitality industry in the right direction in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Examines “hospitableness” and the extent to which this is a human characteristic that is innate and/or can be nurtured and developed. Presents a literature review and offers recommendations

Findings

It is suggested that the most practical way for achieving this goal is to investigate the history and origins of hospitality. Only once an understanding of hospitality's origins and its place in human nature is achieved can one expect to discover what hospitality means today, and more importantly what it will mean to those entering the industry in the future..

Originality/value

Makes recommendations as to how measures of hospitableness might be used in the staff recruitment process and considers personality characteristics and linkages with service delivery.

Citation

O'Connor, D. (2005), "Towards a new interpretation of “hospitality”", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 267-271. https://doi.org/10.1108/09596110510591954