Gaining resilience through transformative services in cause-related events: an interaction ritual chain perspective
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
ISSN: 0959-6119
Article publication date: 24 January 2023
Issue publication date: 2 August 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to unlock a ritual chain mechanism that promotes socio-mental (or socio-psychological) resilience. This study draws on interaction ritual chains theory and the concept of transformative service to answer the question of how people could be inspired toward an elevated level of group solidarity, emotional energy, morality and, thus, socio-mental resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
This study took a qualitative approach resting upon online reviews and observations from an augmented food festival about hot pot delicacies dedicated to medical workers fighting hard amid the early coronavirus outbreak.
Findings
The results of this study point to four primary ritual outcomes (e.g. emotional energy, group solidarity, symbols of relationships and standards of morality) along with a two-tier micro–macro socio-mental resilience sustainability paradigm.
Research limitations/implications
Empirical findings from this study could help operators to justify their transformative initiatives as means for customers to replenish their depleted physical and mental resources.
Originality/value
This inquiry presents new nuances to interaction ritual chains. This study also extends the transformative role of hospitality services to accentuate a linkage among individuals, communities and the society.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Number 72074230).
Citation
Wong, I.A., Lin, X.(L)., Lin, Z.(C). and Lin, Y.(E). (2023), "Gaining resilience through transformative services in cause-related events: an interaction ritual chain perspective", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 35 No. 9, pp. 3235-3262. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-05-2022-0657
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited