UNETHICAL PRACTICES AS INHIBITING FACTORS TO THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA: A REVIEW

Abstract

The hospitality industry in Nigeria is on the rise, driven by a growing economy and cultural attractions. Ethical practices are central to this growth, with Kohlberg’s theory of moral development providing a framework for understanding the industry’s ethical journey. The global hospitality industry, comprising hotels, restaurants, and travel services, thrives on tourism, economic development, technology, and sustainability. Ethical practices are vital for trust and sustainability. Kohlberg’s theory reveals three stages of moral development in the Nigerian hospitality sector:
1. Pre-conventional level: Businesses may prioritize self-interest, leading to practices like overpricing and hidden fees to maximize profit.
2. Conventional level: Inconsistent adherence to ethical standards results in variable service quality, impacting trust and customer satisfaction.
3. Post-conventional level: Achieving the highest moral level remains challenging, with corruption, labor issues, environmental neglect, and cultural insensitivity hindering ethical development.
It was concluded that unethical practices are a serious factor militating against the growth and development of the hospitality business in Nigeria. Ethical inhibiting factors in Nigeria’s hospitality industry include corruption, inconsistent standards, labor issues, environmental neglect, and cultural insensitivi ty. A commitment to ethical leadership, industry-wide standards, responsible resource management, and employee well-being is crucial to foster ethical growth and development. Regular monitoring and evaluation by regulatory agencies is recommended.