Chefs' competencies: a stakeholder's perspective

Abstract

PurposeIn view to the skills gap challenge in the chefs' occupation, the purpose of this study was to identify the required chefs' skills and competencies for successful careers in culinary arts management in the UK context.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was employed with a survey questionnaire on competencies. Data were collected from different stakeholders with 407 valid responses presenting views on necessary competencies and skills to pursue a career in culinary arts.FindingsThis study suggests that professionals in commercial kitchens should demonstrate strong managerial and leadership skills, as well as operational and administrative. Professionalism and democratic management should be exhibited by chefs, who should further develop their emotional intelligence (EI) competency.Practical implicationsOrganizations and academic institutions should provide such training to develop managerial and leadership skills that chefs need. Organizations should recruit based on these competencies model. Attention to diversity, equality and different cultures are important. Academic institutions should redesign their curriculum to address the industry's need on chefs' skills and competencies.Originality/valueThis is the first study to investigate chefs' competencies with empirical evidence from professionals, academics and students in the UK context. This study proposes a model with four sets of competencies, namely management, technical, strategic and operational.