Conflict in Food and Beverage Businesses: Do Self-Educated and Educated Chefs in Conflict?

Abstract

Purpose – When the literature is examined, it is seen that with the increase in the number of cookery and gastronomy departments today, there has been a significant increase in the number of educated cooks in the cookery profession, and therefore it can be said that there is a transition from self-educated to educated chefs. As a result of this situation, the conflict between self-educated and educated chefs has started to be seen in the sector. As a result of the relevant literature review, no other study was found that addressed the conflict between the self-educated and the educated chefs. Therefore, the main purpose of the study is to determine the conflict between self-educated and educated chefs in food and beverage businesses. In addition, determining how often the conflict occurs, revealing its causes and consequences are among the other purposes of the study. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted with 18 chefs, including 9 self-educated and 9 educated chefs. The study adopted a qualitative method, and data were obtained from participants through interviews. Maxqda qualitative analysis software was used to analyze the data obtained from the participants. In this context, content analysis and descriptive analysis were used in the study. Findings – As a result of the data analysis, it was concluded that conflicts are generally common and revolve around main topics such as practical, theoretical, technical, experience differences, and perspectives on the profession. The root causes of these conflicts were identified as ego, pressure-obstruction, efforts to prove oneself, ethical issues, prejudice-lack of communication, jealousy, and being disliked-considered inadequate. Additionally, it was found that the conflict had negative outcomes for both groups, including job resignation, leaving the profession, job dissatisfaction, and burnout. Discussion – Conflicts can lead to serious problems for both employees and businesses. Therefore, understanding and resolving these conflicts is crucial. In this regard, the study contributes to the relevant literature by providing insights that will help in the in-depth understanding of the selfeducated- educated conflict and better management of workplace dynamics in the industry.