Foodservice managers' perceptions of issues related to the employment of individuals with disabilities
1998
Barrios, J. | Boudreaux, J.
In America today there are approximately 43 million individuals with disabilities, but only four million hold jobs. Employers in the foodservice industry have often praised their employees with disabilities, saying they are dependable, loyal, and productive. Hiring individuals with disabilities may be particularly advantageous for the foodservice industry, which is facing major employee problems such as a high turnover rate and low worker productivity. The purpose of this research was to assess foodservice managers' perceptions of issues related to the employment of people with mental and physical disabilities. Researchers asked a random sample of 50 foodservice facility managers in a southeastern U.S. city whether their institutions had hired individuals with disabilities within the past five years. Thirty percent (15) of the managers met the criteria for participation, and each participant received a questionnaire. The response rate was 53 percent; eight managers returned the questionnaires. Data were compiled, scored, and analyzed. The number of individuals with disabilities hired by the facilities ranged from one to five. All managers indicated that employees with disabilities were punctual, courteous, and loyal to the organization. They also reported that coworkers held positive attitudes toward employees with disabilities. Managers found that productivity levels either increased or remained the same with the addition of these employees. Results of the study confirm that it can be advantageous to hire individuals with disabilities.
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