Shall We Dance? A Step Towards Resolving the Misunderstandings Between Hospitality and Tourism Academics and Industry Practitioners

Abstract

This paper takes the view that academics and practitioners fail to appreciate the differing roles that they play, and therefore the differing perspectives that they have. In turn, this clouds and confuses the relationship between them. Academics and practitioners will never always be in step, and neither should they be. Differences between managers in the industry and hospitality and tourism academics are presented and discussed. The identified differences fall under six domains: (1) first positions; (2) theories and practices; (3) questioning and doubting; (4) research; (5) first responsibilities; and (6) education and training. When managers and academics recognize how and why they differ across these contexts, misunderstandings can be reduced and possibly resolved. Harmonious cooperation, in appropriate areas of mutual interest, is then much more likely.