Competence gap of franchisee candidates - case study of the largest convenience store chain in Central and Eastern Europe

The Franchise model is widely used in the retail sector. Numerous franchisees follow the competence-based theory of the firm to increase their competitiveness. The paper reviews and discusses the competence gap among franchise candidates at the largest convenience store chain operating in the Polish market – company Żabka Poland. The study confirms the need of development of various competencies among franchisee candidates. Franchisee candidates pointed out the finance management as a crucial hard competence gap. Regarding the soft competencies, development of entrepreneurship is most required. The study highlights that cooperating with others and controlling own emotions in management are primary sub-competencies of emotional intelligence. The presented findings can support franchisors in the development of education systems for franchise candidates.