Micro-Credentialing in Hospitality Education: A Human Capital Approach to Combating Human Trafficking

Abstract

ABSTRACT The benefits of micro-credentialing on topics that promote a more socially conscious and thoughtful university graduate cannot be overstated. Through the lens of human capital theory, this research note extends the application of workplace education beyond financial and productivity growth to include social well-being of the individual, organization, and geographic location with an emphasis on identifying and combating human trafficking. A five module micro-credential was developed to satisfy the knowledge, skills and aptitudes required to help mitigate this increasingly pervasive criminal activity in the hospitality industry. The implications for hospitality educators and professionals include the benefits of an informed hospitality graduate. Theoretically, this type of educational offering extends our understanding of human capital theory.