Why Do Chefs Stay? Mapping the Desire of Chefs to Remain in Their Occupation
Michalis Kourtidis (Speaker)
Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation
Description
This presentation explores the reasons behind chef retention. The research aims to provide a deeper understanding of what keeps chefs in their profession, building upon existing theories of job retention. The study utilised a qualitative research method, specifically the Repertory Grid Technique of Personal Construct Theory, involving 23 experienced chefs in London and The Midlands. Key findings indicate that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to chefs' retention, with intrinsic drivers being stronger predictors. These intrinsic motivations, such as "feeling good for fitting in" the job, and gaining an "identity as a specialist with power and authority over others", are prioritized and are not solely reliant on external interventions. Extrinsic factors act as "flexible regulators" that can influence retention but are not strong enough to break it. Chefs who have to leave the occupation regardless of strong intrinsic drivers but due to reasons beyond their control become "reluctant leavers".