Hospitability: The Theory
Hospitability: My journey to a new concept of hospitality
Six Years of Study, Followed by a Doctorate
After six intensive years of research, I completed my PhD about Hospitability. For my dissertation, 'Hospitality in Organizations Working with Host Volunteers',* I explored how organizations can apply hospitality in a new, deeper, and improved way. It became clear to me that hospitality is not just about behavior or interactions but also a matter of organizational culture, structure, and values. These elements collectively determine how an organization welcomes others, whether they are employees, volunteers, customers, partners, or visitors.
After six intensive years of research, I completed my PhD about Hospitability. For my dissertation, 'Hospitality in Organizations Working with Host Volunteers',* I explored how organizations can apply hospitality in a new, deeper, and improved way. It became clear to me that hospitality is not just about behavior or interactions but also a matter of organizational culture, structure, and values. These elements collectively determine how an organization welcomes others, whether they are employees, volunteers, customers, partners, or visitors.
The Dissertation
The process of writing my dissertation was both challenging and inspiring. I delved into the literature, conducted extensive conversations with organizations and volunteers, and analyzed countless practical examples. What struck me most was the profound impact hospitality can have when it is well-designed. It is not just about creating a pleasant feeling for people but also about strengthening collaboration, building trust, and fostering inclusion.
The process of writing my dissertation was both challenging and inspiring. I delved into the literature, conducted extensive conversations with organizations and volunteers, and analyzed countless practical examples. What struck me most was the profound impact hospitality can have when it is well-designed. It is not just about creating a pleasant feeling for people but also about strengthening collaboration, building trust, and fostering inclusion.
Hospitability
This research led me to the concept of Hospitability, a broader perspective on hospitality that can be applied in various sectors. I discovered that organizations often unconsciously rely on individuals, such as employees or volunteers, to ensure hospitality. However, when organizations approach hospitality strategically and structurally, it can become a powerful driver of improvement and change. Hospitability demonstrates how organizations can consciously utilize policies, culture, and physical environments to make people (employees, customers, visitors, and partners) feel welcome and engaged.
This research led me to the concept of Hospitability, a broader perspective on hospitality that can be applied in various sectors. I discovered that organizations often unconsciously rely on individuals, such as employees or volunteers, to ensure hospitality. However, when organizations approach hospitality strategically and structurally, it can become a powerful driver of improvement and change. Hospitability demonstrates how organizations can consciously utilize policies, culture, and physical environments to make people (employees, customers, visitors, and partners) feel welcome and engaged.
Destination Duursma
After completing my dissertation, I wanted to share my insights. This is why I founded Destination Duursma, a platform through which I help organizations put Hospitability into practice. Through training sessions, consultancy, and bespoke programs, I demonstrate how Hospitability not only contributes to a more pleasant work environment but also to better outcomes, inclusivity, and connectedness within society.
For me, Hospitability is more than just a research topic. It is a vision that shows how, by consciously working on inclusivity, we can create a world where people and organizations are more strongly and closely connected.
Dr. Geesje Duursma
Download the White Paper of my dissertation here.
After completing my dissertation, I wanted to share my insights. This is why I founded Destination Duursma, a platform through which I help organizations put Hospitability into practice. Through training sessions, consultancy, and bespoke programs, I demonstrate how Hospitability not only contributes to a more pleasant work environment but also to better outcomes, inclusivity, and connectedness within society.
For me, Hospitability is more than just a research topic. It is a vision that shows how, by consciously working on inclusivity, we can create a world where people and organizations are more strongly and closely connected.
Dr. Geesje Duursma
Download the White Paper of my dissertation here.