Team Management and Preparation for the National Fruit and Vegetable Carving Competition: Theory Development from Field Experience

Abstract

This research aims to 1) examine the experiences of team supervisors and competitors in preparing for and participating in fruit and vegetable carving competitions, 2) identify the processes, strategies, and contextual factors contributing to team success at the national level, and 3) construct a theory explaining the mechanisms of team development, management, and capacity building in fruit and vegetable carving competitions. A qualitative design based on social constructivist grounded theory was employed. Fifteen supervisors and competitors were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, document analysis, and analyzed using theoretical coding. The findings indicate that 1) the experience of preparation and participation is a dynamic process that begins with individual motivation and evolves into team capacity through continuous practice, obstacle management, and real-world engagement; 2) team success is achieved through the integration of strategic planning, team management, and skill development alongside psychological resilience, with a focus on sustainable development rather than solely on competition outcomes; and 3) the study proposes a “Continuous Development Theory of Team Capacity Construction,” derived from a four-phase cyclical learning process, suggesting that team development operates as a dynamic and sustainable process.