A Passion for Knowledge? a Comparative Study of Older and Younger Food Service Workers' Desire for Education

Abstract

Demographic trends will have a significant impact on the foodservice labor force. With fewer teenagers available, the commercial sector (that is, fast-food restaurants) is experiencing acute labor shortages. This trend will impact the institutional sector as commercial and institutional employers compete fora similar labor pool.

The older worker will be a valuable resource in light of a shrinking laborpool and increased competition. Stereotypes regarding the training, education, and develop ment of older workers are pervasive. To achieve financial success in their food service operations, employee training, education, and development programs are necessary. Therefore, managers will have to overcome stereotype barriers and develop effective training and educational programs for older employees. Age- related stereotypes regarding education, training, and development of the older worker are explored.

Keywords

Key Words: Older worker Education Foodservices.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

DeMicco, F.J. and Olsen, M.D. (1987). The Relationship of Job Attitudes to Retirement Intention of Older Food Service Employees. Hospitality Education and Research Journal, 11, 275-286.

DeMicco, F.J. and Reid, R.D. (1988, May). Older Workers in the hospitality industry: Implications for management. The Cornell Quarterly, 29, 56-61.

Doering, M.S. , Rhodes, S.R. and Schuster, M. (1983). The aging worker. Eden, D. and Jacobson (Ed.), Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications.

Ehrlich, E. (1988). Human capital: The decline of America's workforce . Business Week, No. 3070:118-120.

Reid, R.D. (1985). Older Workers: Are They a Viable Labor Force for the Foodservice Industry. Hospitality Education and Research Journal, 1, 1-11.

Schaie, W. (1987). Introduction-technology and aging. Presented at the Third Annual Health and Healing Convention: Technology and Aging (University Park, PA).

Schaie, K.W. , Labourie, G.V. , and Barrett, T.J. (1973). Selected attrition effects in a fourteen-year study of adult intelligence. Journal of Gerontology, 23, 328.

U.S. Department of Labor (1979). Employment-related problems of older workers: A research strategy." R and D Monograph, 73. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Governemnt Printing Office.