Rebounding through the pandemic : towards the digitized and digitalized small hospitality business in China

Zhu, Ruilin and Zhang, Jinyuan (2021) Rebounding through the pandemic : towards the digitized and digitalized small hospitality business in China. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 33 (8). pp. 2676-2694. ISSN 0959-6119

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Abstract

Purpose Grappling with the sweeping pandemic, the small hospitality business (SHB), smaller in scale and weaker in risk mitigation, has been seriously affected. The purpose of this study aims to supplement the unrepresented area of SHB in China from the digital perspective by drawing on instrumentalization theory (IT). Design/methodology/approach Based on two appropriate and detailed SHB cases, this paper adopted a qualitative approach to understand and conceptualize the focal issue. Findings This study identified the factors affecting SHB at operational, managerial and transformational levels amidst the crisis. It further developed a theoretical framework of the SHB rebound matrix, highlighting the importance of digitization and digitalization. Research limitations/implications The research theoretically confirmed that SHB is internally, externally and essentially restricted and developed a corresponding rebound matrix. It practically supports SHB’s transformation by making recommendations to unleash the potential of digital business. Originality/value This study complements extant descriptive and atheoretical research by focusing on SHB’s underlying digital nature through the lens of IT, providing an evidenced theoretical understanding of SHB’s development amidst and after the pandemic.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
Additional Information:
This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1400/1409
Subjects:
?? chinadigitizationcase studiessmall businessesqualitative researchpandemicdigitalizationsmall hospitality businesscase studytourism, leisure and hospitality management ??
ID Code:
157146
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
13 Jul 2021 08:55
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
22 Mar 2024 00:53