Influencing green technology use behavior in the hospitality industry and the role of the “green champion”

ABSTRACT

Facilities managers are tasked not only with the responsibility of maintaining the building systems to sustain the revenue potential of an operation, but also to adopt and implement green technologies related to a hospitality organization’s sustainability program. In this qualitative study, data were collected during semi-structured interviews with multi-level facilities managers from hotels, resorts, and convention centers in the United States. Drawing upon technology acceptance constructs, the findings from this research demonstrated green facilitating conditions and formal green leadership as the primary drivers influencing green technology use behavior in the hospitality industry. In addition, the presence of a green informal leader, or “green champion,” also emerged as a critical influence, revealing nuances in sustainability initiatives undetected in previous research. Theoretical insights are provided as well as operational strategies for successful green technology adoption and use at the property and organizational levels.

摘要

设施管理人员的任务不仅是维护建筑系统，以维持运营的收入潜力，而且还要采用和实施与酒店组织的可持续性计划有关的绿色技术。在这项定性研究中，数据来自于半结构化访谈，采访了来自美国酒店、度假村和会议中心的多级设施经理。本研究以技术接受结构为基础，以绿色促进条件及正式的绿色领导为驱动力，探讨影响酒店业绿色技术使用行为的主要驱动因素。此外，绿色非正式领袖或“绿色拥护者”的出现也是一个关键的影响，揭示了在先前研究中未发现的可持续性倡议的细微差别。提供了理论洞察力，以及在财产和组织层面上成功采用和使用绿色技术的操作策略。

KEYWORDS:

• Hospitality industry
• sustainability
• facilities management
• technology acceptance
• green facilitating conditions
• informal green leader