Leadership in the Service of Hospitality

Abstract

The definition of leadership has changed considerably in the past one hundred years, beginning with the “great man” concept and, more recently, focusing on “transformational leadership.” The next step in leadership evolution is servant leadership, in which the leader seeks to support and empower followers. The implications are considerable for the hospitality industry, since it is based on the concept of leadership through service. Hospitality educators could take steps to instill servant leadership principles in students to equip them for this increasingly relevant leadership style.