LEADERSHİP AND CHANGİNG DYNAMİCS İN THE GASTRONOMY SECTOR

Abstract

In the rapidly transforming gastronomy sector, leadership is no longer confined to traditional kitchen hierarchies but encompasses a broader set of competencies that reflect evolving economic, technological, and social realities. This study explores the multidimensional nature of leadership within gastronomy, with a particular emphasis on its responsiveness to changing sectoral dynamics. The central aim is to analyze how diverse leadership styles shape employee motivation, organizational commitment, innovation capacity, and the sector’s overall adaptability to contemporary challenges, such as crisis management, digitalization, and sustainability transitions. The study is relevant in light of increasing global emphasis on service quality, gender equality, and sustainable development—issues that significantly influence gastronomy enterprises worldwide. The research methodology is grounded in a qualitative and conceptual framework based on a comprehensive thematic review of secondary sources, including peer-reviewed journals, tourism and hospitality reports, and leadership case studies. Through comparative content analysis and synthesis of leadership models in various contexts—restaurant management, culinary tourism, crisis response, and social entrepreneurship—the study constructs a nuanced understanding of leadership evolution in gastronomy. The results demonstrate that leadership in this sector is inherently complex, adaptive, and situational. While hierarchical leadership remains prevalent in traditional kitchen settings, hybrid and collaborative models are gaining traction, especially in response to dynamic service environments and workforce diversification. Transformational and democratic leadership styles contribute significantly to innovation, job satisfaction, and resilience, particularly during disruptive periods like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also reveals persistent gender inequalities in leadership roles, despite the growing presence of women in professional kitchens. Moreover, the digital transformation of gastronomy not only affects operational efficiency but also redefines leadership competencies, requiring mastery of information systems and online communication platforms.