MBA v. Hotel School: Which is better for future leaders of our industry?
Held at University of Surrey 4th October 2007

Hotel schools are the best option for emerging talent

A group of industry leaders, students and educators met at the University of Surrey on Thursday, 4 October to debate the question: “MBA v. Hotel School: which is better for future leaders of our industry?”

The underlying theme was the debate over the merits of an education within a generic business school or a specialist hotel school. In a lively debate, both teams provided powerful and persuasive arguments, with the audience voted in favour of the latter, by a majority of 60-40%.

What is your view?

Historically the hospitality industry has been an environment where individuals can come to and develop their success on the basis of passion and a love of food, wine and people. Some of our most colourful characters today have built their career up from sheer determination and hard work in the industry, and have a unique understanding of what is required to deliver. Is there a danger that this could be lost?

On the other hand, the strategic thinking within many businesses and their profitability and value to shareholders has improved. The industry is respected with City institutions as never before. What, then, is the implication for the top layer of a business and will potential leaders hit a glass ceiling because they do not have an MBA qualification?

Whilst the winning team on the night illustrated the importance of specialist knowledge and insight into educating industry leaders, there is no doubt that the relevance of MBA’s attained in generic business schools has contributed to the growing development and profitability of industry.

The team who argued in favour of MBA’s comprised:

• Professor Peter Jones, Associate Dean, Faculty of Management & Law, UOS
• John Guthrie, former Head of International Learning & Development of Hilton
• Saar Sharon, Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle

The team who argued in favour of Hotel Schools comprised:

• Suzanna Hunter on behalf Ruud Reuland, General Director, Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, in his absence
• Professor Nigel Hemmington, Dean, School of Services Management, University of Bournemouth
• Professor Peter Jones, Consultant to Edge
  

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