Hierarchical Seniority vs. Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism Sustainability Education: A Social Exchange Theory Perspective

Thowayeb H. Hassan (), Muhannad Mohammed Alfehaid, Fahad Mohammed Alhuqbani, Mostafa A. Hassanin, Omar M. Ali, Kurmanbek Narynbek Uulu, Pereș Ana Cornelia and Amany E. Salem
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Thowayeb H. Hassan: Social Studies Department, College of Arts, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 400, Saudi Arabia
Muhannad Mohammed Alfehaid: Department of Geography and GIS, College of Social Sciences, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13318, Saudi Arabia
Fahad Mohammed Alhuqbani: Tourism & Hotel Management Department, College of Tourism & Archaeology, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Mostafa A. Hassanin: Mass Media Communication Department, College of Arts, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 400, Saudi Arabia
Omar M. Ali: Arabic Language Department, College of Arts, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 400, Saudi Arabia
Kurmanbek Narynbek Uulu: Department of Tourism and Recreational Geography, Faculty of Geography, Ecology and Tourism, Kyrgyz National University of J. Balasagyn, Bishkek 720033, Kyrgyzstan
Pereș Ana Cornelia: Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Amany E. Salem: Social Studies Department, College of Arts, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 400, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-20

Abstract: Seniority-based hierarchical structures in higher education may hinder innovation in hospitality and tourism (H&T) sustainability education; therefore, this study applies Social Exchange Theory (SET) to examine how these hierarchies affect curriculum development and modernization in H&T programs. We used semi-structured interviews with 22 faculty members and administrators from hospitality and tourism programs across multiple universities—including four university presidents, three deans, three department heads, one professor, four associate professors, four assistant professors, and three lecturers with work experience ranging from 3 to 30 years—and we explored social exchange dynamics including reciprocity, trust, power imbalances, and perceived obligations that influence the integration of contemporary sustainable practices. Findings indicate that rigid seniority systems impede sustainability curriculum modernization and limit the incorporation of innovative industry expertise; however, institutions implementing SET principles—characterized by equitable recognition and balanced exchange between academic tenure and industry experience—demonstrate superior adaptability and better prepare students for evolving sustainability demands. This research illuminates organizational dynamics governing educational innovation and provides SET-based recommendations for developing institutional cultures that effectively bridge academic tradition with industry relevance and sustainability imperatives in H&T education.

Keywords: seniority; university staff; hospitality; tourism; education; social exchange theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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