Identification of Graduate Level Competencies in Hospitality Management

Abstract

Hospitality managers and educators were surveyed to ascertain their expectations for competencies of graduates with advanced degrees in hospitality management. The study sample of 183 managers and 296 educators were asked to classify 46 competency statements according to educational level and experience required for competency development. Five competencies were classified as requiring a master's degree, four of which were considered to require more than three years of experience to develop competency. Twenty-seven competencies were identified at the bachelor's level, and seven were found not to be related to level of education. All competencies in both groups were considered to require up to three years of experience for competency development. Results will be useful in developing curricula for graduate programs in hospitality management.