A comparative analysis of the impact of culture on university foodservice satisfaction: a pilot study

The purpose of this study was to expand the research in university foodservices and cross-cultural service quality perceptions initiated by Ruetzler by investigating whether differences existed between students at a southeastern and a southwestern university. Using factor analysis and multivariate analysis of variance tests, significant differences were revealed based on culture in three factors among the southeastern students; however, no differences existed among the southwestern students. When the two universities were compared with each other, significant differences were discovered in two factors. This study confirmed that the six factors resulting from Ruetzler's research were transferable to a larger university in a different geographical location. However, broad assumptions that specific cultural preferences at one university would remain the same at another university should not be made. As international student populations continue to grow, administrators and foodservice providers should consider this segment when operating, evaluating and making decisions regarding campus foodservice outlets.