PHD, Kent State University, 2024, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
On a global scale, organizations are experiencing workforce and employee shortages that
vary from one industry to another, and the hospitality industry is among the worst affected (De
Smet et al., 2022). The primary purpose of this study was to identify and explore factors that
contribute to turnover and attrition in the foodservice industry so that recommendations for
change can be given to those who work in the industry to decrease turnover and attrition rates
and promote career longevity.
Data was collected from multiple sources: 1) Ohio ProStart CTE hospitality graduates
who have worked in the foodservice industry, 2) Ohio ProStart CTE hospitality instructors, and
3) foodservice managers from Northeast Ohio. Data was collected from the graduates and
instructors using a survey. The surveys gathered quantitative and qualitative data on factors
contributing to foodservice worker turnover and attrition. Data from foodservice managers was
collected using interviews. Additionally, participants from all three groups provided suggestions
for reducing turnover and attrition in the foodservice industry. Qualitative data was analyzed
using content and thematic analysis, triangulation, and SPSS was used to analyze descriptive and
inferential statistics.
Findings revealed that compensation, environment, and management factors, along with
worker feelings contribute to turnover and attrition in the foodservice industry. Compensatory
factors, such as wages and hours were cited by the graduates and instructors as the most
prominent reasons why workers leave their foodservice jobs. Foodservice managers indicated
that feelings and qualities of foodservice workers play a dynamic role in the turnover and
attrition issue in the foodservice industry.
Committee: Joanne Caniglia (Advisor); Davison Mupinga (Committee Member); Scott Courtney (Committee Member); Ning-Kuang Chuang (Committee Co-Chair)
Subjects: Education; School Counseling; Vocational Education