Scientific research in hospitality studies in Brazil: challenges to finding a theoretical framework

Abstract

This paper seeks to present the systématisation of information in hospitality studies, as generated by an analysis of 227 dissertations submitted to the Master's Programme in Hospitality Studies at the University of Anhembi Morumbi, as well as 18 doctoral dissertations and 58 master's dissertations submitted to other stricto sensu programmes in the country between 2004 and 2013. The paper intends to typify the contents of this scientific production, considering the theoretic base developed in Brazil and other countries. The documentary research analysed the contents of the dissertations based on author, title, abstract, keywords, and year of submission; it also arranged the studies according to sectors, domains and dimensions of the hospitality field. Results demonstrate a low incidence of studies in the virtual and domestic domains; tourism and lodging industries as the principal sectors covered in the period in question; and social and economic dimensions as the most discussed. The paper indicates the need for in-depth studies to analyse the methodological strategies and review bibliography used in production of the scientific materials, and the necessity for increased private sector funding of academic research. It highlights the importance of a critical approach to hospitality research that may enable the evolution of programmes in hospitality and tourism studies.