There are Codes of Conduct, Rules for Accreditation, Practising Standards of Operation to name but a few of the regulations governing those that have paid to be signatories to a code, accreditation or standard adherence.
Rarely does the MICE industry discover the unethical behaviour of any of its members. Although signatories to various rules appear to have been undertaken with undoubtedly hand-on-heart – the actual monitoring with disciplinary hearings and various forms of censor appear almost non-existent.
There are real credible examples to the contrary with trade associations such as SATSA and PRISA taking its members to task in adhering to disciplinary action following any external complaints.
Yet for the majority of collectives – it is hard to believe that each and every member is so squeaky-clean as to not warrant any form of auditing and correction which would transparently name and shame. A lame monitoring method is the one trotted-out by a variety of associations which states: ‘we act if we receive a complaint in writing and in a particular format from a member about a member’ A stance of this nature does little – if anything – to raise the particular industry’s standards of its member’s operations.
Of course there could be a strong case for an association not going down the thorny monitoring road, as perhaps too many of their members may bite the dust.
Hence it was refreshing to read The Star– albeit most unfortunately – of the Johannesburg Zoo suspension of accreditation from PAAZAB (Pan African Asssoc of Zoos & Aquaria) including WAZA (World Assoc of Zoos & Aquarnum)
Without going into the alleged serious reasons – the outcome means that the Johannesburg Zoo will be unable to negotiate the transfer of animals from another zoo. Also the Zoo’s senior management would need to meet certain stringent criteria before being able to re-apply for membership.
The consequences of this suspension in zoological terms appear severe which the Board is studying the suspension documents at this time.
Even though the example appertains to Zoos and not the MICE industry, although at times we wonder, it is important to take note that unless accreditation mechanisms exist to monitor and censor – where proven – a certification including a status attainment is not worth the paper it is written on.
