Are vocational students taught 'awareness of others' in the UK? A theoretical review offering links between 'awareness of other' and education for hospitality, tourism and events management

This paper offers theoretical analysis of the term 'Awareness of Other' and links it to vocational studies in Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management in UK Higher Education to offer conceptual links. Conclusions evidence that this paper offers grounded theory in linking two areas of literature that have not previously shown links. Awareness of Other is seen to be a psychological process developed in each and every person. From a review of UK education syllabuses for vocational students it is evident that AoO links to soft skill development, specifically inter-cultural communication and hard skills in acting upon realising the awareness of other. This noted, AoO is never mentioned within the education specifications in the UK. Thus, this paper offers academics in the fields of Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management new considerations when teaching for customer service in inter-cultural settings and reflects on the need for greater understanding of each student's awareness of other.