This study employs a qualitative research design to explore the role of ethical leadership in fostering cultural sensitivity and inclusivity within the hospitality industry in Dubai, a global tourism hub known for its diverse workforce and international clientele. Through semi-structured interviews with 30 industry leaders, this research examines key ethical leadership practices and the challenges of balancing local cultural norms with global expectations. The analysis focuses on how ethical leadership influences employee satisfaction and guest experiences, and the findings underscore the importance of continuous training, clear ethical guidelines, and stakeholder engagement. The study offers practical recommendations for strengthening ethical leadership, contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of hospitality organizations in Dubai’s multicultural environment.
References
[1]
Ahmed, T., Bhutto, T. A., Talwar, S., & Farooq, R. (2021). The Challenges of Balancing Traditional Cultural Values with Global Market Expectations: Leadership Practices in Dubai’s Hospitality Sector. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 94, 102735.
[2]
Ali, A. et al. (2022). Preparing for the “Black Swan”: Reducing Employee Burnout in the Hospitality Sector through Ethical Leadership. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 1009785. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1009785
[3]
Ali, A., Khan, M., & Rahman, M. (2020). Ethical Leadership and Its Impact on Organizational Culture and Employee Engagement: A Case of the Hospitality Industry. Journal of Business Ethics, 162, 125-145.
[4]
Allen, T. D., & Eby, L. T. (2021). The Role of Mentoring Relationships in Promoting Ethical Leadership and Behaviour. In Handbook of Ethics in Leadership (pp. 250-267). Routledge.
[5]
Alzeer, G., Saad, M., & Abuhijleh, B. (2019). The Influence of Cultural Sensitivity on Employee Engagement and Customer Satisfaction in Dubai’S Hospitality Industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 81, 123-131.
[6]
Avey, J. B., Palanski, M. E., & Walumbwa, F. O. (2020). When Leadership Goes Unnoticed: The Moderating Role of Follower Self-Esteem on the Relationship between Ethical Leadership and Follower Behaviour. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 41, 593-609.
[7]
Baquero, A. (2023). Authentic Leadership, Employee Work Engagement, Trust in the Leader, and Workplace Well-Being: A Moderated Mediation Model. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 16, 1403-1424. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S407672
[8]
Bartsch, T., Kiefer, T., & Walker, C. (2021). Cultural Competence as a Leadership Imperative in Globalized Workplaces. Global Business Review, 22, 475-489.
[9]
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
[10]
Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2006). Ethical Leadership: A Review and Future Directions. The Leadership Quarterly, 17, 595-616. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2006.10.004
[11]
Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2022). Ethical Leadership and Its Impact on Organizational Behaviour: Current Trends and Future Directions. Journal of Business Research, 138, 395-408.
[12]
De Cremer, D., & Vandekerckhove, W. (2021). Managing Ethical Dilemmas in the Workplace: The Role of Ethical Leadership. Ethics in Leadership Review, 17, 99-115.
[13]
Dimitriou, C. K. (2022). The Critical Role That National Culture and Ethical Leadership Play in Fostering Employee Commitment to Service Quality in the Hotel Industry. Research in Hospitality Management, 12, 255-271. https://doi.org/10.1080/22243534.2022.2133770
[14]
Freeman, R. E., Phillips, R. A., & Sisodia, R. (2021). Stakeholder Theory: The State of the art. Cambridge University Press.
[15]
Hassan, S., Wright, B. E., & Yukl, G. A. (2021). The Influence of Leadership Behaviours on Employee Outcomes in Public Organizations: A Moderated Mediation Model. Public Administration Review, 81, 303-314.
[16]
Holck, L., Muhr, S. L., & Villesèche, F. (2020). The Diversity Paradox: Inclusion and Exclusion Processes in Diversity Management. European Management Review, 17, 121-139.
[17]
Iphofen, R., O’Mathúna, D. (2022). Ethical Evidence and Policymaking: Interdisciplinary and International Research. Policy Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv2tbwqd5
[18]
Kaptein, M. (2022). The Effectiveness of Ethical Leadership: Examining the Role of Ethical Climate, Follower Moral Identity, and Perceived Organizational Justice. Journal of Business Ethics, 171, 401-416.
[19]
Khan, M. S., & Rasheed, A. (2020). Ethical Leadership and Its Impact on Employee Engagement and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: The Moderating Role of Organizational Politics. Journal of Management Research, 20, 134-152.
[20]
Madera, J. M., Dawson, M., & Guchait, P. (2022). Cultural Competence and Its Impact on Leadership Effectiveness in Globalized Hospitality Settings. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 50, 15-23.
[21]
Madera, J. M., Dawson, M., & Neal, J. A. (2019). Effective Multicultural Leadership in Hospitality: The Importance of Cultural Intelligence and Emotional Labour. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 82, 217-226.
[22]
Matten, D., & Moon, J. (2022). Implications of Cultural Relativism for Global Ethical Leadership. Journal of International Business Studies, 53, 455-472.
[23]
McCarthy, J., & Milner, D. (2022). The Role of Continuous Education in Promoting Ethical Leadership. Journal of Business Ethics Education, 19, 63-80.
[24]
Meyer, J. W., & Kirby, J. (2021). Ethical Decision-Making in Cross-Cultural Contexts: A Model for Global Leaders. Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, 28, 703-721.
[25]
Neubert, M. J., Carlson, D. S., Kacmar, K. M., Roberts, J. A., & Chonko, L. B. (2021). The Virtuous Influence of Ethical Leadership Behaviour: Evidence from a Longitudinal Study of Employee Outcomes. Journal of Applied Psychology, 106, 713-729.
[26]
Shapiro, J. P., & Stefkovich, J. A. (2021). Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making in Education: Applying Theoretical Perspectives to Complex Dilemmas. Routledge.
[27]
Smith, R. A., & Dhanani, L. Y. (2022). Cross-Cultural Ethical Challenges in the Hospitality Industry: Managing Global Expectations in a Local Context. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, 46, 37-58.
[28]
Tourism and Hospitality Research (2022). The Role of Ethical Leadership in Enhancing Customer Loyalty and Organizational Sustainability. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 22, 345-361.
[29]
Wang, C., & Wong, K. F. (2019). Ethical Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: A Moderated Mediation Model. Journal of Business Ethics, 156, 917-934.
[30]
Weaver, G. R., & Treviño, L. K. (2021). Managing Ethics in Organizations: Creating a Positive Work Environment. Business Horizons, 64, 707-716.
[31]
Xu, Y., Li, Y., & Zhang, P. (2022). Ethical Leadership and Employee Behavior: The Role of Organizational Culture and Trust in Leadership in the Hospitality Industry. Journal of Business Ethics, 178, 453-472.
