Hospitability: In Practice
From Theory to Practice: Hospitability in Society
After six years of research and writing my dissertation, one thing became clear: Hospitability is not just a theoretical concept, but also a practically applicable approach that helps organisations become stronger, more inclusive, unique, and much more hospitable. To illustrate this, my study explored multiple practical examples of organisations successfully applying Hospitability. Three of these cases play a central role in my research and demonstrate the diverse applications of Hospitability.
After six years of research and writing my dissertation, one thing became clear: Hospitability is not just a theoretical concept, but also a practically applicable approach that helps organisations become stronger, more inclusive, unique, and much more hospitable. To illustrate this, my study explored multiple practical examples of organisations successfully applying Hospitability. Three of these cases play a central role in my research and demonstrate the diverse applications of Hospitability.
Case 1: A Museum
In a regional museum, volunteers played a key role in creating hospitality. This was approached from three perspectives: process, structure, and culture Volunteers contributed to a hospitable process by personally welcoming visitors and addressing their needs. The structure was enhanced by clear role divisions and guidelines, ensuring volunteers understood what was expected of them. Furthermore, the culture was focused on collaboration and mutual respect, fostering a sense of involvement and appreciation.
Volunteers felt responsible for providing a warm atmosphere and authenticity in their interactions. This combination of a clear process, supportive structure, and hospitable culture made the museum a place where both visitors and volunteers felt welcome and valued.
In a regional museum, volunteers played a key role in creating hospitality. This was approached from three perspectives: process, structure, and culture Volunteers contributed to a hospitable process by personally welcoming visitors and addressing their needs. The structure was enhanced by clear role divisions and guidelines, ensuring volunteers understood what was expected of them. Furthermore, the culture was focused on collaboration and mutual respect, fostering a sense of involvement and appreciation.
Volunteers felt responsible for providing a warm atmosphere and authenticity in their interactions. This combination of a clear process, supportive structure, and hospitable culture made the museum a place where both visitors and volunteers felt welcome and valued.
Case 2: A welcoming Library
In a library, a group of volunteers worked together to warmly welcome visitors. They ensured a low-threshold, accessible space where everyone felt at ease and could easily navigate the environment. The permanent staff provided good guidance, with clear agreements and support, ensuring that volunteers felt appreciated and confident in their roles.
Most importantly, everyone shared the same goal: to make the library an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of background or needs, could feel at home. This synergy of practical assistance, personal attention, and shared values made the library hospitable not only for visitors but also for the volunteers themselves.
In a library, a group of volunteers worked together to warmly welcome visitors. They ensured a low-threshold, accessible space where everyone felt at ease and could easily navigate the environment. The permanent staff provided good guidance, with clear agreements and support, ensuring that volunteers felt appreciated and confident in their roles.
Most importantly, everyone shared the same goal: to make the library an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of background or needs, could feel at home. This synergy of practical assistance, personal attention, and shared values made the library hospitable not only for visitors but also for the volunteers themselves.
Case 3: A Hospital
In a hospital, hospitality was vital for both patients and visitors. This was tackled on three levels.
In a hospital, hospitality was vital for both patients and visitors. This was tackled on three levels.
Strategic hospitality focused on developing a clear vision prioritising hospitality and care. Tactical hospitality centred on collaboration between staff and volunteers, with clear agreements and targeted support. Operational hospitality introduced practical improvements, such as creating quiet spaces and optimising signage. Volunteers took on important roles as hosts, enhancing accessibility and the feeling of being welcomed. This approach brought not only peace and clarity for patients but also greater satisfaction among staff and volunteers. As a result, the hospital became a warmer and more human environment, showcasing how hospitality can become an integral part of healthcare delivery.
Hospitability: Broadly applicable in Society
These three cases are just a few examples among the many analysed during my research. They demonstrate how Hospitability can be applied in various sectors, each time with a significant impact on both the people being received and those providing hospitality.
Hospitability proves to be more than a concept: it is a practical and versatile approach that helps organisations become people-focused, effective, and future-proof.
Dr Geesje Duursma
These three cases are just a few examples among the many analysed during my research. They demonstrate how Hospitability can be applied in various sectors, each time with a significant impact on both the people being received and those providing hospitality.
Hospitability proves to be more than a concept: it is a practical and versatile approach that helps organisations become people-focused, effective, and future-proof.
Dr Geesje Duursma