Retaining Culinary Talent: A Conceptual Framework on Motivation, Contentment, and Fortitude.

Purpose The objective of this paper is to formulate and theorize on an integrated conceptual framework analyzing the effects of employee motivation attributes that include empowerment, physiological elements and work environment on retention of culinary professionals in four- and five-star hotels in Malaysia, with job contentment and job fortitude as mediators respectively. Design/Methodology/Approach A conceptual framework based on three theoretical perspectives will be formulated for the purpose of this study: Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Exchange Theory (SET). In order to validate the framework developed in the conceptual phase of the paper, a cross-sectional design of quantitative nature will be used with structured questionnaire data collected from culinary professionals at the level of Chef de Partie and higher in four- and five-star hotels in Malaysia. Expected findings The findings of the study will indicate the way in which relationships exist among the variables such as motivation attribute dimensions and job contentment, job contentment and job fortitude and job fortitude and culinary professional retention. The sequential mediating effect will help determine if the two mediators indeed function as psychological mechanisms in translating the antecedent motivations to retention behavior. Originality/Value The current paper will contribute to literature in three ways. Firstly, job contentment and job fortitude as mediating constructs have not been fully explored. Secondly, joint applications of JD-R, SDT and SET in the context of culinary retention in Malaysia are expected. Thirdly, the framework developed will help hospitality managers and policy makers to develop better retention strategies.