RFID Implementation and Technology Adoption in the Hospitality Sector

This research paper, published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management, investigates the adoption and implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled locking technology within an independent hotel chain as a means of service innovation and enhanced internal process efficiency. The study delves into the factors influencing RFID adoption, examines the organizational perspective of technological innovation adoption, and assesses the impact of end-users, both employees and guests, on the decision-making process. The research identifies the importance of the knowledge and persuasion stages of the diffusion of innovations (DOI) adoption process. The paper also highlights the dual nature of the adoption process in service industries and offers practical recommendations for implementing new technologies in the hospitality sector. The paper builds on prior research highlighting the importance of safety and security in the hospitality industry, especially in light of recent security breaches. It examines the advantages of RFID technology over traditional electronic locking systems and explores how RFID can be integrated into other hotel systems to improve guest experience and operational efficiency.