Abstract

Consistently delivering good service quality is a complex and dynamic process. In this matter, service differs from tangible products and is highly dependent on the business and service provider. Therefore, efficiently managing the process of delivering service quality can contribute to profits for organization and satisfaction to customers. This study was performed to define service quality, and to investigate the personal and operational characteristics that impacts the service quality provided by foodservice provider. The responses from 278 foodservice providers and 427 customers in 82 fast-food and family restaurants were used in this analysis. Descriptive, Factor Analysis, T-test, ANOVA, and Correlation Analysis were used for statistical Analysis. The Results of this study were as follows : 1) The perception of foodservice provider was significantly higher than that of the customers in most of the 21 service quality attributes. 2) The 6 dimensions derived from Factor Analysis explained 56.8% for service quality. 3) Among the personal characteristics of the foodservice provider, the level of education and the position in the job led to a significant difference in some of the service qualities. 4) The type of restaurant played an important role in foodservice providers' perception of service quality. 5) Month since opening had a negative correlation with 'Atmosphere' and a positive correlation with 'Reputation', while the number of seats showed a positive correlation with 'Atmosphere' and a negative correlation with 'Food' and 'Convenience'. 6) In general, the characteristics of sales had a positive correlation with service quality. 7) The proportion of part-time employees showed a negative correlation with 'Atmosphere' and 'Food', and a positive correlation with 'Reputation'.

• Keywords: service quality; foodservice provider; operation characteristics; personal characteristics