Antecedents of human-robot collaboration: theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to extend the technology acceptance model (TAM) to examine whether the introduction of robots influences employees’ behavioral intentions to use robots and awareness of robots to promote human–robot collaboration (HRC). Besides, the role of strategic human resource management (HRM) involvement as a moderator in the perception of robots as a team member was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 500 respondents via the Amazon Mechanical Turk platform. After data cleaning, 329 valid responses were analyzed. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was applied using Smart PLS Ver. 3.0 to test the study’s measurement and proposed research model.

Findings

The study results show that robots’ perceived usefulness and ease of use positively influence employees’ behavioral intentions to use robots. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of robots have a positive impact on robot awareness. Employees’ behavioral intentions and awareness contribute positively to HRC. On the other hand, the moderating role of strategic human resources (HR’s) involvement in the relationships was insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an exclusively applied understanding of robot presence and embodiment relevant to real-world HRC. In the travel, tourism and hospitality (TTH) industry, employees’ intention to use robots and robot awareness are significant factors. However, HRM involvement without the acceptance of robots could not enhance HRC.

Originality/value

Based on the literature review, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first on this topic and extends TAM with new antecedents related to robot use, robot awareness and HRC in the TTH industry. In addition, this model attempts to determine the factors that favor HRC in the industry. This study also assessed the moderating role of strategic HR’s involvement in the behavioral intention of robot use, robot awareness and HRC.

研究目的

由于高科技领域的快速扩张, 机器人成为旅行、旅游和酒店业的传统。因此, 本文旨在研究是否机器人的采用会影响员工的离职意愿和人机协作和人力资源管理在激励员工与机器人团队合作方面的作用。

研究设计/方法/途径

本研究采用定量方法。总共 500本研究的数据是通过 MTurk 平台收集, 但其中, （n = 329）是最终确定样本量, 并应用基于偏最小二乘的结构方程模型（PLS-SEM）使用 Smart PLS Ver. 3 检验研究的测量和关系模型

研究发现

该研究的结果确定了机器人的有用性和易用性人机协作对员工行为意向的积极影响, 除此之外, 机器人的优势和劣势尽管对意识产生积极影响, 但员工的意识不影响人机协作。以及 HRM 战略参与的角色对员工意愿的影响并不充分且积极。

研究理论贡献

这项研究对员工的机器人的使用意图和人力资源管理在机器人采用和激励决策中的员工进行协作提供了应用性的理解。意识是对员工离职的一项动态担忧; 因此, 人力资源管理应该确保采用机器人对员工有帮助

研究原创性/价值

这是第一项有条不紊地研究人力资源管理在旅行、旅游和酒店研究中的人机协作。这项研究对员工重要性以及先进的旅游技术进行了传播。

Citation

Parvez, M.O., Arasli, H., Ozturen, A., Lodhi, R.N. and Ongsakul, V. (2022), "Antecedents of human-robot collaboration: theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model", Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 240-263. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTT-09-2021-0267