Abstract
In this study of professional development in hotel, catering and institutional services, the need for research to revitalise professional education and services was established and the execution and consequences of that research considered. The origins of professionalism in hotel and catering, and institutional management were analysed to reveal the common importance of education to professional development in these fields. The educational role of professional bodies was examined and the problems of course content and development. Past and current developments in hotel and catering education were considered in the light bf critical evidence and the need for research to identify the Corpus of Professional Knowledge was established. Surveys of employers, professional managers, educationists and other sources produced substantial data from which to classify management jobs and analyse professional employment. In particular, the responsibilities of managers in the initial years of professional employment were analysed and the knowledge and skills currently required in all major sectors of the industry. Future requirements were separately examined. The framework of the Corpus was established in relation to important areas of management activity. The content was compiled on the basis of vocational relevance, to include common requirements for competent practitioners in all sectors and special requirements more important in some sectors. Documentation needs and updating requirements were also identified. The establishment of the Corpus of Knowledge in this field has had important consequences. First, it has provided the basis for the systematic development of a new professional qualification. Secondly, it provides the Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management Association with a firm basis from which to develop a comprehensive range of professional information services to members. Thirdly, it provides a source of long-term influence on educational developments, both in the progress towards a unified system of technical education and in maintaining such influence in the absence of direct involvement as a national examining body. It is suggested that this approach could provide similar benefits if applied to other developing fields of professional employment.