Human Resource Strategy Drives Fiore Dessert’s Survival in Competitive SME Culinary Market
A 2026 study published in the Formosa Journal of Social Sciences reveals how human resource development shapes the survival of small culinary businesses in Indonesia. The research was conducted by Dismas Persada Dewangga Pramudita and a team from Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, focusing on Fiore Dessert, a growing micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME). The study, completed in December 2025 and published in 2026, highlights why structured workforce development and change management are critical for business sustainability.
Growing MSMEs, Rising Pressure
Indonesia’s MSME sector continues to expand rapidly, with more than 30 million businesses contributing to the national economy. The culinary sector, in particular, is highly competitive. Consumers now demand not only quality taste but also visual appeal and strong digital presence.
Fiore Dessert operates in this dynamic environment. Like many MSMEs, it faces increasing competition and shifting customer behavior toward online platforms. These pressures require continuous innovation, efficient operations, and adaptive strategies.
Without structured systems, small businesses risk stagnation or decline despite initial success.
Simple but Insightful Research Approach
The research team used a descriptive qualitative method to capture real business conditions. Data came from a structured, in-depth interview with the owner of Fiore Dessert, conducted via Zoom on December 10, 2025.
The interview lasted 40 to 60 minutes and followed 12 prepared questions. This approach allowed the researchers to gather detailed insights directly from the business owner, ensuring that findings reflect real-world challenges rather than theoretical assumptions.
Ethical standards were maintained, including consent, recording approval, and accurate documentation.
Key Findings: Adaptive but Informal
The study shows that Fiore Dessert has successfully implemented several adaptive strategies to survive in a competitive market:
- Product innovation, including new dessert variations
- Digital marketing, especially through social media platforms
- Service improvement, focusing on customer satisfaction
These actions demonstrate awareness of market changes and the ability to respond quickly. However, the research also identifies critical weaknesses:
- Change processes are informal and unstructured
- Business decisions rely heavily on the owner
- Human resource capacity is limited
- Digital marketing lacks consistency and planning
This dependency on a single decision-maker creates vulnerability, especially as the business grows.
Practical Monitoring but Limited Systems
Fiore Dessert evaluates its performance using practical methods:
- Tracking weekly and monthly sales
- Monitoring operational costs
- Reviewing customer feedback online
- Conducting internal evaluations
These practices help maintain responsiveness but lack formal systems that support long-term growth.
Real Challenges in Daily Operations
One of the main obstacles identified is production inconsistency during innovation. When experimenting with new recipes, product quality can temporarily decline. This issue reflects a common challenge among culinary MSMEs.
Without proper training and standardized processes, innovation may introduce risks instead of benefits.
The study confirms that entrepreneurial orientation—being innovative, proactive, and willing to take risks—helps businesses adapt. However, without structured management, these efforts may not be sustainable.
Human Resources as the Core Solution
A central insight from the research is the importance of human resource development. Strong employee involvement can:
- Reduce dependency on the owner
- Improve consistency in operations
- Support continuous innovation
- Strengthen organizational learning
Dismas Persada Dewangga Pramudita from Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta emphasizes that sustainable business growth requires more than innovation. It requires systems that involve employees and distribute knowledge across the organization.
In essence, businesses must transition from owner-driven operations to team-based systems.
Implications for MSMEs and Policymakers
The findings offer clear guidance for MSMEs across Indonesia:
- Implement structured change management, including planning and evaluation
- Invest in employee training and development
- Build consistent digital marketing strategies
- Encourage team participation in decision-making
- Develop standard operating procedures for production and innovation
For policymakers, the study highlights the need to support MSMEs not only through funding but also through training programs, digital literacy initiatives, and capacity-building frameworks.
Broader Economic Impact
MSMEs are a backbone of Indonesia’s economy. Strengthening their internal capabilities—especially human resources—can improve resilience against market shocks and technological disruption.
This research shows that even small businesses like Fiore Dessert can achieve sustainable growth when innovation is supported by structured systems and skilled human resources.
Author Profile
Dismas Persada Dewangga Pramudita is an academic affiliated with Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, specializing in business management, entrepreneurship, and MSME development. He collaborated with Maria Suwiji, Hesrin Anggreiny Lumban Tobing, Prisella Hernisari Ulida Girsang, Fernanda Stefany Margathan, and Natania, all contributing expertise in business and economic studies.
Source
Formosa Journal of Social Sciences (FJSS), 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjss.v5i1.1
URL : https://journalfjss.my.id/index.php/fjss/index
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