An exploratory investigation of technology-assisted dining experiences from the consumer perspective

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

Publisher

Emerald

School

School of Business and Law

RAS ID

51789

Funders

Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. 2242022S20007)

National Social Science Fund of China (NSSFC) (Grant No.19CGL031)

Comments

Gu, Q., Li, M., & Huang, S. S. (2023). An exploratory investigation of technology-assisted dining experiences from the consumer perspective. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 35(3), 1010-1029.

https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-02-2022-0214

Abstract

Purpose:

The use of modern technologies in restaurants has become a trend. For food and beverage services, embracing new technologies helps solve the dilemmas of increasing labor costs and the high level of staff turnover in the industry. However, knowledge regarding how consumers perceive and evaluate technology-assisted dining experiences (TADEs) is limited. This study aims to conceptualize and operationalize TADEs while considering increasing technological applications in restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach:

This study conducted in-depth interviews with 71 restaurant consumers in Nanjing and Wuhan, China. Following the interviews, this study carried out a survey and identified the factor structure of TADEs.

Findings:

The in-depth interviews identified 26 attributes of TADEs. An analysis of the survey data identified four important aspects (with 21 items) of TADEs, namely, novelty and fashion, convenience, high efficiency and restrictions and possible risks.

Practical implications:

Hospitality managers can implement the suggested measures for dining service design and technology management to improve the experiences of customers.

Originality/value:

These findings have theoretical implications for the new phenomenon of technology-integrated dining, the application of technology and consumer management in the catering industry.

DOI

10.1108/IJCHM-02-2022-0214

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