Usage of Foodservice Systems Management Competencies by Korean Dietitians

Abstract

The purpose of this study was: (1) to investigate whether Korean dietitians are engaged in Foodservice Systems Management (FSM) competencies in their current jobs, and (2) to identify the relationship between types of dietetic practice areas and Korean dietitians' usage of FSM competencies. Fifteen FSM competencies were widely used, 17 were somewhat used, 13 were seldom used and the remaining two competencies were little or not used by the dietitians. The most used competency was related to menu planning (98%). Whereas, the least used competency was related to marketing skills (17%). As a whole, the categories of "technical and communication skills"(78%) and "production and distribution management"(77%) were more widely used than other FSM categories. Of 47 competencies, 34 competencies were found to be significantly associated with the type of practice area. Considering the findings, the type of dietetic practice area was a strong factor of Korean dietitians' usages of FSM competencies. Of 34 competencies associated with the type of dietetic practice area, 25 FSM competencies were more likely to be used by the dietitians from health care facilities.