Hospitality Law and Ethics Flashcards
6 cards from real HOSPITALITY practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Hospitality Law and Ethics flashcards as text
What is the 'right of privacy' protection for hotel guests under US law?
Answer: Legal protections limiting hotel staff and third parties from unauthorized entry into guest rooms or disclosure of guest information
Hotel guests have a legally recognized right of privacy in their guest rooms, protecting them from warrantless police searches (Fourth Amendment), unauthorized staff entry, and improper disclosure of their registration information to third parties.
What is 'employment at will' doctrine and how does it apply in hotel human resources?
Answer: A legal doctrine allowing either employer or employee to terminate employment at any time without cause, subject to legal exceptions
Employment at will allows either the employer or employee to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, without legal liability — subject to exceptions including discrimination law, retaliation protection, implied contract claims, and public policy exceptions.
What is the 'sexual harassment' legal framework applicable to hotel workplaces?
Answer: Title VII protections against two forms of sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile work environment
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits sexual harassment in workplaces including hotels in two forms: quid pro quo (conditioning employment benefits on sexual favors) and hostile work environment (severe or pervasive sexual conduct that creates an intimidating or offensive work environment).
What is a 'management contract' in the hotel industry?
Answer: An agreement where a hotel management company operates a property on behalf of the owner in exchange for fees
A hotel management contract is an agreement where a professional hotel management company (operator) manages the day-to-day operations of a hotel owned by another party (owner). The operator receives base management fees (typically 2-4% of revenue) and incentive fees (percentage of profit) in exchange for operational expertise.
What does 'OSHA compliance' require of hotel employers?
Answer: Hotels must provide a safe workplace, training on hazards, and maintain records of workplace injuries and illnesses
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires hotel employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, train employees on job-specific safety risks, maintain OSHA Form 300 injury logs, report serious injuries, and comply with specific standards covering chemicals (HAZCOM), ergonomics, blood-borne pathogens, and slip/fall prevention.
What is the 'franchise agreement' in hotel brand licensing and what key obligations does it impose?
Answer: A license granting a hotel owner the right to operate under a brand's name and systems in exchange for fees and compliance with brand standards
A hotel franchise agreement licenses a property owner (franchisee) to operate under a hotel brand's (franchisor's) name, reservation system, and loyalty program in exchange for paying royalty fees and meeting brand quality standards. Franchisors can terminate the agreement for failure to maintain standards.