Competency development of university dining managers

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20406253

Collegiate foodservice management requires proficiency in the operational skills of restaurant management and effectiveness working within the university environment. This study investigated competency development in higher education foodservice management to inform how a department can better prepare managers to meet expectations. Five university managers were interviewed using action research methodology to explore competency expectations and perceived gaps. Participants indicated that their prior private sector experience had not adequately prepared them to fulfill the fiscal management and human resource aspects of their role, and learning to navigate the university environment posed transitional challenges. Subsequently, a financial management training series was designed, and the initial session was delivered to participants in an online, asynchronous format. This action step's evaluation indicated the training was effective in filling an existing training gap and increasing confidence to meet expectations, particularly for new managers. Additionally, the online format substantially aided their learning and practice. Organizational stakeholders found the action research process to be positive and impactful on the organization, resulting in change agency amongst participants and demonstrating an effective way to discern employee development needs. These findings may inform organizational training and onboarding programs as well as organizational change efforts.--Author's abstract