Impact is everything in hospitality

However, it also uncovers major barriers preventing significant numbers from improving their skills. The findings show 53% of employers and 76% of individuals in the hospitality & leisure sector, believe management qualifications will grow in importance over the next 5 years. Individuals and employers also agree that 'proof of academic prowess' is no longer a key driver for taking a qualification. Key findings include: performance enhancer: many employers argue that having qualified managers leads to productivity gains (60%). Most highly valued in the sector are MBAs (90%) and Diplomas (89%) rising reputation: employers also suggest that providing the opportunity to gain qualifications gives the organisation an enhanced professional reputation (70%). Almost two-thirds (64%) also say it boosts their ability to attract staff. movers and shakers: an overwhelming majority of individuals in the hospitality & leisure sector (95%) are motivated by the 'portability' offered by a general management qualification, emphasising a desire to move roles, or cross industry sectors. Their need for 'transferable skills' is a key factor behind the desire to 'get qualified' (76%). career passport: 89 per cent of managers in the sector believe qualifications will 'improve chances of employment' in the future. 78 per cent also suggested their management qualification 'improves promotion prospects' According to the research, the majority of respondents (84%) also claim that qualifications improve 'self-awareness'. High numbers focus on how they have 'helped me deal with interpersonal issues' (66%) or 'improved my business knowledge' (84%). However, the report shows that desire to secure formal recognition is not matched by action, with only one in five individuals holding a management qualification. The study suggests that low uptake is caused by a series of barriers. One of the key difficulties is the complexity of the qualifications system, with 65 per cent arguing too many qualifications exist and 51 per cent agreeing that the different levels are confusing. Mary Chapman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, says: "The current low level of management skills is untenable, so it is encouraging to see a thirst for change. But as the new Qualifications and Credit Framework is developed, it will be essential to ensure that clear links are established across the various other frameworks. Without doing so the capacity for confusion will increase." Chapman adds: "Compared to other professions, managers are significantly under-qualified. Yet many are giving the strongest sign yet that they want to address this situation. Significant numbers are looking for training and development as part of their remuneration package and employers should take note of this because by offering professional development they are more likely to retain the top talent and build for the future."