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1 – 10 of over 18000
Article
Publication date: 8 February 2011

Usha Ramanathan and Ramakrishnan Ramanathan

This paper seeks to explore the performance of UK hotels, in terms of various service attributes, and whether it influences customers' intention to stay again.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the performance of UK hotels, in terms of various service attributes, and whether it influences customers' intention to stay again.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are used from online customer ratings of 664 hotels in the UK for the purpose. The approach is based on an interesting use of statistical regression reported in the literature that attempted to classify different cues in hotels as critical, satisfier, dissatisfier, etc. In this study, six prominent attributes are considered, namely: customer service, cleanliness, room quality, value for money, quality of food, and family friendliness, rated by guests, based on their experiences of staying in hotels.

Findings

The findings reveal that “Value for money” is a critical attribute, while “Customer service”, “Room quality” and “Quality of food” are dissatisfiers. Business guests, and guests of independent hotels, exhibit similar behavior, but for leisure guests, and guests of chain hotels, “Value for money” is a dissatisfier.

Practical implications

“Value for money” is a critical attribute, in that good performance, in terms of this attribute, is critical for positively influencing guests' intention to stay again; however, failures in terms of this attribute cannot be compensated by improving service in terms of other attributes. There are three dissatisfier attributes (“Customer service”, “Room quality”, and “Quality of food”), implying that an inadequate performance in terms of these attributes could significantly adversely impact guests' intention to stay again.

Originality/value

This study would appear to be the first to use the extensive data available on the internet on guest ratings of hotels.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2018

Nigel Hemmington, Peter Beomcheol Kim and Cindie Wang

Importance-performance analysis (IPA) is an effective tool for firms to prioritise service quality attributes, but has limitations in evaluating and enhancing service quality…

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Abstract

Purpose

Importance-performance analysis (IPA) is an effective tool for firms to prioritise service quality attributes, but has limitations in evaluating and enhancing service quality within a competitive environment. The purpose of this paper is to present an evolved model of IPA – importance-performance benchmark vectors (IPBV) – as a benchmarking tool and investigate its applicability in the context of hotel service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical studies based on self-completion survey data from 150 customers of two full-service hotels in Taiwan were conducted in to examine the practical utility of IPBV.

Findings

Eight key benchmark typologies were identified and expressed as vectors in the IPBV model which are as follows: “sustainable advantage”, “potential strength”, “false advantage or outstanding advantage”, “cease-fire competition”, “false disadvantage or on-hand disadvantage”, “potential weakness”, “dangerous warning” and “head-on competition”.

Research limitations/implications

The paper extends the methodology to more cases, and other service industries to test further the discriminatory power of the model and to explore the descriptors in the IPBV vector model. Alternative seven-point or nine-point Likert scales could be explored to test the discriminant validity using means. The alternative IPA diagonal approach focussing on GAP analysis may reveal alternative interpretations for the IPBV vector model. Other extended models of IPA, which include competitor analysis, should be compared in practice using a data set where both quantitative and qualitative data could be generated.

Practical implications

The paper proposes the two-dimensional IPBV model which retains the advantages of IPA, but also includes competitor or benchmark comparisons which enable organisations to analyse their relative competitive position. The two-part model provides both quantitative information and qualitative interpretation of relativities. The graphical matrix models provide simple quantitative analysis of attributes, whilst the IPBV vector model provides qualitative interpretations of the eight competitive market positions. Vector analysis enables the development of competitive strategies relative to benchmarks, or within a competitive set. Importance is retained and means that organisations can benchmark against a range of competitors prioritising specific attributes for resource allocation.

Social implications

The interpretive utility of the model should be explored with practitioners and decision makers in the service industries. The model has been designed for practical use in industry to inform operational and strategic decision making, its usefulness in practice should be explored and the attitudes of practitioners to the model should be tested.

Originality/value

Traditional approaches to benchmarking have adopted a one-dimensional approach that does not include a measure of the relative importance of the service quality dimensions in specific markets. This research develops a two-dimensional advanced model of IPA, called IPBV, which is based on vector relationships between key attributes of service quality. These vectors are explored and described in competitive terms and the model is discussed with regard to its implications for industry, practitioners and researchers.

Details

Journal of Service Theory and Practice, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-6225

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2021

Naeem Akhtar, Xianglan Chen, Umar Iqbal Siddiqi, Guojun Zeng and Tahir Islam

To address critical research gaps in the extant literature, the present study develops a model that links language constraints in hotel attributes—core and facilitating––with…

Abstract

Purpose

To address critical research gaps in the extant literature, the present study develops a model that links language constraints in hotel attributes—core and facilitating––with consumers' offendedness (CO) and examines the consequent behavioral intentions of an offended consumer. For this purpose, it investigates (1) the role of language constraints in core and facilitating attributes in shaping CO, (2) how CO relates to adverse behavioral outcomes and (3) the moderating role of attribution of service failure (ASF) between language constraints and CO.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research used convenience sampling and collected data from 398 inbound tourists in Beijing through a survey questionnaire. The study performs measurement and structural evaluation by employing Amos Graphics 24.0 and moderation analysis through IBM SPSS 25.0.

Findings

The study examines language constraints in China's hospitality context, which restricts its generalizability. However, it serves as a better approach to examine the tourists who visit other Western hotels in China and unveils the factors contributing to CO.

Research limitations/implications

The study examines language constraints in Chinese hotels, which restrict its generalizability. It serves as a better approach to examine the tourists who visit other Western hotels in China and unveils the factors contributing to CO.

Originality/value

Few studies validate communication barriers in service encounters in hotel services and apprehend related outcomes. The present study takes a unique initiative in the context of China and examines the role of language constraints in core and facilitating hotel attributes in service encounters at Chinese hotels. This study informs the Chinese hotel industry and international destination firms to understand the language constraints in service encounters to further their strategies to overcome threats and tap potential opportunities.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 April 2020

Hongxiu Li, Yong Liu, Chee-Wee Tan and Feng Hu

Building on the three-factor theory, this study aims to unravel how the role of hotel attributes such as basic, excitement and performance factors could differ in accordance with…

33346

Abstract

Purpose

Building on the three-factor theory, this study aims to unravel how the role of hotel attributes such as basic, excitement and performance factors could differ in accordance with different hotel star ratings and distinct customer segments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores the asymmetric effects of hotel attributes on customer satisfaction by extracting 412,784 consumer-generated reviews from TripAdvisor across different cities in China.

Findings

By taking into account the origins of customers and hotel star ratings, the study uncovers that guests’ expectations of hotel performance differ with respect to their origins (domestic and international guests) and the star ratings of the hotels being reviewed, thereby moderating the asymmetric impact of hotel attributes on customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The study compares and contrasts the determinants of customer satisfaction for domestic and international guests in the context of Chinese hotels. Care should still be exercised when generalizing the insights gleaned from this study to other contexts.

Practical implications

The findings from this study translate into actionable guidelines for hotel operators to make informed decisions regarding service improvement.

Originality/value

The study extends previous work by offering a deeper understanding of the asymmetric impact of hotel attributes on customer satisfaction. Specifically, this study provides a deep understanding of the different hotel attributes such as basic, performance and excitement factors in explaining customer satisfaction among different hotel customer segments. Findings from this study can not only inform hotel operators on the significance of various hotel attributes in determining customer satisfaction but also guide the formulation of business strategies to retain customers by inducing delight and not frustration.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 December 2020

Hyekyung Park, Minwoo Lee and Ki-Joon Back

This paper aims to explore the underlying structure of wellness in upper-upscale and luxury hotels and the roles wellness attributes play in customer satisfaction and…

2584

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the underlying structure of wellness in upper-upscale and luxury hotels and the roles wellness attributes play in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed methods approach consisting of content analysis and social media analytics. In Study 1, the authors integrate and review the structure of wellness attributes by conducting a literature review on prior research on wellness and analyzing websites of upper-upscale and luxury hotels. In Study 2, the authors implement text analytics and regression analysis to determine the roles of wellness attributes in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction by examining the final data gathered from 141,973 reviews of 226 upper-upscale and luxury hotels in NYC.

Findings

This research introduces the underlying structure of wellness in the upper-upscale and luxury hotels. Findings demonstrate a significant relationship between wellness attributes and customer satisfaction/dissatisfaction. This study shows each wellness attribute’s specific roles in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction through the Kano model.

Research limitations/implications

The current study extends the research on wellness by discovering the underlying structure of wellness in the upper-upscale and luxury hotels. Based on the Kano Model, the study reveals specific roles of wellness attributes regarding their dichotomous impact on customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The study makes a novel approach to the topic of wellness through a mixed methods approach consisted of content analysis and social media analytics. Analyzing online customer reviews derived from TripAdvisor.com, the study provides an in-depth insight and understanding of customers’ perceptions of wellness attributes.

Practical implications

The study guides hotel operators to perform wellness attributes by defining the unique roles of wellness attributes in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Using the findings of the current study, hotel operators can prioritize wellness attributes regarding their core strategies and provide satisfying wellness attributes to customers.

Originality/value

Prior research merely focuses on hotels in wellness destinations or wellness-focused hotels with a lack of research on wellness offered in the general lodging industry. This research fills the gap by discovering the underlying wellness structure embedded in the general lodging industry, specifically in the upper-upscale and luxury hotels.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 33 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2020

Raksmey Sann and Pei-Chun Lai

This paper aims to shed light on differences in the patterns of online rating behavior that Chinese- and English-speaking travelers adopt when making hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light on differences in the patterns of online rating behavior that Chinese- and English-speaking travelers adopt when making hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.

Design/methodology/approach

A dual analysis was conducted on 800 online reviews for eight hotel brands. The brands, which are currently operating in Bangkok City, are considered to be representative of their categories. The hotels were selected based on their abilities to meet the quantitative and qualitative requirements of the text mining strategy adopted in this study.

Findings

The results reveal that, with respect to all of the hotel service attributes (i.e. Service, Cleanliness, Room, Sleep Quality, Location, Value and Overall), the ratings offered by the English-speaking guests were higher than the Chinese-speaking travelers. Based on the qualitative analysis, the ten service attributes which had the most impact on traveler satisfaction were distinguished. These attributes were then classified into three broadly themed categories including intangible service, tangible service and staying experience. The results from the word frequency analysis also helps to clarify which features are drawing attention from travelers from different backgrounds.

Originality/value

This study contributes to tourism and hospitality literature by confirming certain differences in the online rating behavior of Chinese- and English-speaking hotel guests.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2002

Hokey Min, Hyesung Min and Kyooyup Chung

Total customer satisfaction is one of the most important strategic weapons of best‐practice hotel organizations. However, hotel organizations cannot achieve total customer…

16065

Abstract

Total customer satisfaction is one of the most important strategic weapons of best‐practice hotel organizations. However, hotel organizations cannot achieve total customer satisfaction without gaining the knowledge of a hotel’s competitive position in the changing marketplace and realizing the opportunity of continuous service improvement. With this in mind, this paper develops a set of service benchmarks that help hotel managers monitor their service delivery process, identify performance gaps, and take corrective action. In particular, we propose dynamic benchmarking based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) that goes beyond traditional service performance measures. Based on the longitudinal surveys of customers who have stayed at first‐class hotels in Korea, this paper illustrates the usefulness of dynamic benchmarking for continuous service improvement.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Jong Min Kim, Jiahao Liu and Keeyeon Ki-cheon Park

This study aims to explore how the “new normal” induces the dynamics in the asymmetric relationship between service quality attributes and customer satisfaction.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the “new normal” induces the dynamics in the asymmetric relationship between service quality attributes and customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes online reviews for hotels in New York City. The authors use multi-attribute models to examine how a situational factor – the COVID-19 outbreak – creates dynamics in the asymmetric effect of service quality attributes on customer satisfaction. Then, the authors examine the change in these dynamics over time after adjusting to the “new normal.”

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced dynamics into the asymmetrical relationship between hotel service attribute performances and customer satisfaction. The pandemic magnified the asymmetric influences of particular attributes on satisfaction in the hospitality industry. In addition, the findings indicate the changes in such dynamics over time.

Practical implications

The findings emphasize that hotel managers should consider situational factors when understanding customer satisfaction. Particularly, this study suggests developing tailored strategies for responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotel managers need to address changing customer expectations of service attributes to overcome unprecedented difficulties because of the limitations and new needs imposed during the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the hospitality literature with an understanding of the significance of situational factors in asymmetric analysis.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 35 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 April 2010

E. Robinot and J.‐L. Giannelloni

This paper aims to examine how “green” attributes contribute to hotel customers' overall satisfaction.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how “green” attributes contribute to hotel customers' overall satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study helped generate a list of the attributes that contribute to overall satisfaction with hotel services. Then a Tetraclasse model, which highlights the four‐fold nature of this contribution, was used. Two hypotheses are posed. First, attributes of hotel service can be divided into four different types according to the way in which they contribute to forming satisfaction. Second, in terms of how they contribute to forming satisfaction, environmental protection initiatives can be considered “plus” attributes.

Findings

The first hypothesis is rejected. For the second hypothesis, the results show that the environmental attributes were evaluated as “basic”, which means they were seen as an integral part of the service offer, rather than as differentiating criteria.

Research limitations/implications

The study was based on a relatively restricted sample. Further research is needed to improve the external validity of the research.

Practical implications

It is necessary to maintain a high level of performance for “green” attributes. Moreover, it would be preferable not to inform customers about environmental initiatives in order to limit the risk of being unfavorably evaluated on these attributes. It would seem worthwhile for a company to invest in service attributes that are respectful of the environment, even if they do not promote these attributes directly to the customer. Pro‐environment initiatives may also be introduced for economic reasons.

Originality/value

The paper makes use of the Tetraclasse model methodology.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2000

Vincent C.S. Heung

Among all the Asian markets, mainland China was least affected by the economic downturn. It provides a leading source of tourism revenue to Hong Kong. In order to fully capture…

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Abstract

Among all the Asian markets, mainland China was least affected by the economic downturn. It provides a leading source of tourism revenue to Hong Kong. In order to fully capture this market, it is important to satisfy the needs of the mainland Chinese travelers. This study aims to measure the satisfaction levels of Chinese travelers in relation to the hotel services in Hong Kong. The satisfaction levels of the mainland Chinese travelers on 34 hotel service attributes were studied using the disconfirmation paradigm. A total of 203 mainland Chinese travelers were interviewed. The results indicated that mainland Chinese travelers were satisfied with “Availability of personal care amenities”, “Quietness of the room”, “Availability of food and beverage variety” and dissatisfied with “Recreation facilities” “Availability of frequent travelers’ program” and the “Baggage handling service”. Eight dimensions of hotel services were identified. “Service quality and value” and “Augmented product quality” dimensions were found to be more important than others in influencing their overall satisfaction levels and the likelihood of returning to the same hotels. Implications of the findings for hotel operators in Hong Kong were discussed.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

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