Human vs robot baristas during the COVID-19 pandemic: effects of masks and vaccines on perceived safety and visit intention
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
; 35(2):469-491, 2023.
Article
in English
| ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2228920
ABSTRACT
Purpose>This study aims to compare the effect of barista type (human vs robot) on perceived safety and examine the role of two moderators (mask-wearing and coronavirus vaccination) on the effects of barista type on perceived safety and visit intention.Design/methodology/approach>The research design consists of three studies. Three experiments were sequentially designed and conducted to address research questions.Findings>Study 1 found that perceived safety mediates the effect of barista type on customers' visit intention. Study 2 revealed that the mask-wearing of human and robot baristas differently influences perceived safety. Study 3 showed that customers, especially where robot baristas are used, perceive the effect of mask-wearing differently depending on their coronavirus vaccination status.Research limitations/implications>Given that the levels of restrictions vary worldwide, together with the extent of countries' vaccination rollouts, caution is required when generalising the research findings.Practical implications>The findings have practical implications for the hospitality industry, where the roles of face masks and coronavirus vaccines in shaping consumer psychology and behaviour have been underexplored.Originality/value>Coronavirus vaccination is considered one of the most important driving forces for the recovery of hospitality businesses. As a heuristic-systematic model postulated, this study identified that vaccination status (fully vaccinated vs not vaccinated) changes the level of involvement when customers assess the level of risk in service environments. By pinpointing the function of service robots in safeguarding customers from the potential spread of the disease, this study broadens the scope of human–robot interaction research in hospitality.
Hotels And Restaurants; Vaccination; Human–robot interaction; Safety; Mask; COVID-19; Service robot; Barista type; Customer services; COVID-19 vaccines; Consumers; Perceptions; Hospitality industry; Pandemics; Medical research; Robots; Preferences; Quality of service; Restaurants; Coronaviruses; Disease transmission; Robotics; China; Hong Kong China; 72251:Restaurants and Other Eating Places
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
ProQuest Central
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
/
Systematic review/Meta Analysis
Topics:
Vaccines
Language:
English
Journal:
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
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