Managing Cultural Diversity in Hospitality

Module Description

Working in Hospitality, one interacts with a large variety of people both internally and externally, at a local level and international level. Due to the ‘personal’ nature of dealing with guests, Hospitality Managers and professionals must be versed in intercultural and multi-ethnical considerations. This will help them to communicate better with guests as well as provide them with the best customer service possible. The aim of this module is to provide participants with insights, theoretical knowledge and practical strategies to sensitively manage the issues and challenges associated with leading and communicating in a culturally diverse world. Participants will understand how cultural diversity impacts on human behavior and learn effective strategies to negotiate and deal with the competing challenges arising between staff as well as business partners, clients, suppliers from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Entry Requirements

Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following: 

• a Level 6 degree and 3 years’ work experience;  

OR  

• a Level 5 diploma or higher diploma and 5 years’ work experience in a supervisory or managerial role. 

Preference is given to applicants having a Level 6 degree in a discipline related hospitality and a minimum of 3 years’ work experience in management within the industry. 

Target Audience

This course is targeted at hospitality professionals with supervisory and/or middle management experience such as:   

• event manager/coordinator 
• restaurant manager 
• reception manager 
• shift manager/supervisor  
• marketing and sales manager  
• guest services manager/supervisor 
• housekeeping manager/supervisor 
• special events manager 
• room service manager 

The target group may also be extended to positions such as that of wedding manager, transport manager, maintenance manager, operations manager, marketing manager, conference manager and even that of general manager. 

Career Paths

This programme aims to prepare you for senior posts such as that of general manager, head of department or the events director of any hospitality organisation, such as cruise liners, hotels, spas, restaurants and casinos, amongst others.  

How you’ll be assessed

This is a part-time programme and will typically take 30 months to complete. The programme comprises a total of 10 modules. The method of assessment is assignment-based.  

The course comprises:  

• 6 lectures per module; 
• 3-hour lectures (evening); 
• 12 hours of online content per module, comprising asynchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.