Final answer:
The suggestion to create fake reviews is unethical, potentially illegal, could damage consumer trust, and might lead to legal actions and penalties. It also violates review platform guidelines and fosters a dishonest corporate culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suggestion for Dontay to have employees create fake reviews of competing hotels is a bad idea for several reasons. Firstly, this practice is unethical and damages the integrity of the hotel chain. Trust and honesty are paramount in the hospitality industry, and engaging in deceptive practices could significantly harm the hotel's reputation if discovered. Moreover, posting fake negative reviews can be considered illegal under various trade and consumer protection laws. If the hotel chain is caught, this could lead to legal actions, fines, and a loss of consumer confidence.
Secondly, such practices go against the guidelines of review platforms and may lead to penalization or banning from these sites. Maintaining a strong and legitimate online presence is essential for businesses, especially in the competitive hotel industry. Lastly, it is important to foster a corporate culture based on ethical behavior and transparent marketing. Encouraging employees to act dishonestly can lead to a toxic work environment and further unethical conduct, which could undermine the long-term success of the business.