I’m pleased to share my new research titled, Improving employee-robot collaboration in hospitality: Understanding the zero-sum mindset.
Key insights:
1.
Mindsets matter. Employees viewing resources as limited (the "zero-sum mindset") may see high-intelligence robots as competition, welcoming their low-intelligence counterparts instead.
2.
Fear not, change warriors! Advocacy campaigns can help employees see robots for what they are - aids to free them for more intricate tasks, not terrors plotting job takeover.
3.
Task design is another pivotal point. Involving employees in shaping how robots assist them mellows their apprehensions and fosters collaboration, especially for those with a strong zero-sum mindset.
Tips to make this transition smoother:
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Communicate clearly, address fears of job displacement, and offer training. Transparency builds trust!
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Actively involve employees in creating the future. Ownership inspires cooperation.
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Be mindful of the intelligence level needed for robotic tasks, factoring in employee mindsets.
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Capitalize on competitive mindsets to champion this transformation.
Academic abstract
In the evolving landscape of the hotel industry, the integration of robotic technologies is reshaping service dynamics. This three-part research investigates the transformative impact of robots on hospitality employees and their inclination to collaborate with robotic counterparts. Study 1 delves into the intricate relationship between employees' zero-sum mindset and the influence of robot intelligence on collaboration willingness. Employees with a strong zero-sum mindset exhibit a heightened willingness to collaborate with low-intelligence robots but perceive high-intelligence robots as competitors. Study 2 introduces an advocacy campaign, revealing its effectiveness in shifting zero-sum mindset perceptions from threats to valuable resources. In Study 3, employee participation in collaborative tasks is explored, emphasizing the positive outcomes of involving employees in task design for enhanced collaboration with service robots. The findings underscore the need to address employees' competitive mindset and employ effective communication strategies for successful employee-robot collaboration in the hotel industry.