Stir It Up: How Master-Apprentice Relationships Affect the Similarity of Product Offerings in High-End Restaurants

Abstract

This work explores the determinants of decisions by former apprentices to present product offerings similar to those of their masters. Using a quantitative study of 194 international chefs, this article argues that there is a negative association between the degree to which a master rebels against the rules and conventions of a field and master-apprentice similarity. It also shows that master status and a creative professional’s career stage during an apprenticeship moderate the association between master rebellion and master-apprentice similarity. The work concludes by outlining some implications for the career development and creativity of creative professionals and the emergence of new styles.

JEL Classification: L14, L20, L83