Determinants of Customer Satisfaction in the Hotel Industry - Research Paper Example

Brotherton & Wood (2000) define hospitality management as the application of one accepted discipline (management) to the other (hospitality). Lashley et al (2007) gave forth a more comprehensive definition. They are of the view that hospitality is a social construct affecting the whole society, and when used commercially, needs to be properly managed through proper business channels. The twin concepts of management and hospitality have now grown to such an extent that there exists a symbiotic relationship between the two, which is fostering at an amazing speed.

Morrison & O’Mahoney (2002) are of the opinion that a symbiotic alliance between the twin areas of commercial hospitality and the business of management of the same can provide a winning combination for both. Hence, we now see that hospitality management has advanced enough to a stage where using the concept can help us explore and understand our society in a truer sense (Lashley et al, 2007, pp.186). Speaking academically, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (1998, pp.15) defines hospitality management as a basic that addresses the management of physical attributes like food and accommodation in a service-providing context.

It is a vocation that aims to prepare graduates occupationally. Symes & McIntyre (2000) stress that this framework has helped construct a complete educational course. On the contrary, Hyland (2001) feels that more needs to be done on the subject. He feels that instead of classifying hospitality as a vocation, it needs to be taken like any other educational discipline to bring the proper balance into the teaching practices and methods.Lashley et al., (2007) are of the opinion that the study of hospitality for the subject of hospitality management helps us delve into the minds of customers or individuals.