Authors: Francis Mwita Makori (University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania), Prof. Dev Jani, PhD (University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) and Mary Shija Maduhu (National College of Tourism, Tanzania)
Abstract: This study examined the role of chefs’ technical skills in the relationship between managerial skill and subjective career success in the hospitality industry in Tanzania. The study employed an explanatory design with a survey strategy. A questionnaire survey of 267 chefs in 4-star and 5-star hotels and lodges collected the data. The Data analysis took place through the Statistical Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Managerial skills factor yielded a positively lower influence on the chefs’ subjective career success compared to technical skills. The moderator technical skills factor acts as an added advantage in the chefs’ profession by having a higher influence in the relationship between managerial skills and subjective career success. These results advance the existing knowledge, suggesting that human capital theory is not satisfactory in explaining the relationship between competency and career success. The study recommends that the chefs’ training should emphasize much on technical skills compared to managerial skills.