At the Intersection of Ethics and Law: Teaching Labor Trafficking and Data Privacy Through Transformative Learning

Abstract

This case study examines the legal and ethical challenges faced by hospitality management graduates as they transition into professional roles within a rapidly evolving industry. Through two interconnected scenarios, the case highlights the operational, legal, and ethical dilemmas that hospitality leaders must navigate. At Sunset Palms Resort, Sarah Johnson and Raj Patel, newly appointed managers, encounter suspected labor trafficking within a third-party housekeeping staff during peak season, requiring them to balance the protection of vulnerable workers with operational demands and legal obligations. At the parent company Global Luxury Hotels, they confront a data privacy breach at a boutique property. This situation demands crisis management, policy revisions, and the implementation of robust data protection measures across diverse property types. The case underscores the necessity of comprehensive law and ethics education in hospitality management programs, emphasizing the integration of these topics across curricula. It provides a platform for students to encounter realistic scenarios that foster ethical reasoning, legal literacy, and critical thinking while exploring the role of organizational culture and crisis management teams in addressing complex challenges. By engaging with this case, students develop the practical skills and ethical frameworks needed to navigate the dynamic hospitality industry, preparing them to become responsible leaders capable of balancing guest satisfaction, legal compliance, and ethical decision-making in their future careers.