Contract catering: the skills required for the next millennium

TLDR

The contract catering sector of hospitality has expanded rapidly, yet few management studies have examined it. This study seeks to identify the core competencies needed by contract catering managers. The authors compare these competencies with managers’ actual time allocation and analyze differences across contract catering subsections and between the sector and other hospitality areas. The results indicate a need to enhance contract catering managers’ knowledge and skills to close the industry‑education divide.

Abstract

In recent times the contract catering sector of the hospitality industry has grown substantially in size and scope. However, there have been few management studies carried out within this market sector. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by determining the essential competencies required by contract catering managers. These results are then compared with how managers spend their time. The differences between contract catering sub‐sections are discussed, in addition to the differences between contract catering and other sectors of the hospitality industry. Concludes that there is a need to develop the knowledge and skills of contract catering managers to assist in bridging the current gap between industry and education.