The Impact of Smart Room Technology on Guest Satisfaction and Operational Efficiency

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to investigate the impact of smart room technology on guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of smart room technology on guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Preliminary empirical review revealed that smart room technology significantly enhanced guest satisfaction and operational efficiency in the hospitality industry. It found that technologies like automated lighting, climate control, and voice-activated assistants provided guests with greater convenience and personalization, leading to increased satisfaction. Additionally, these technologies reduced energy consumption and labor costs, improving overall operational performance. Despite the benefits, challenges such as high initial costs and the need for technological literacy among staff and guests were noted. The study recommended comprehensive training programs and guest education initiatives to address these issues, ultimately advocating for the continued adoption and investment in smart room technologies to drive innovation and efficiency in the industry. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of Innovations Theory and Resource-Based View (RBV). The study recommended integrating smart room technologies within existing hospitality management theories and emphasized the need for comprehensive models addressing user interaction and technological literacy. Practically, it advised hotels to invest in impactful smart technologies, implement robust staff training, and adopt a phased approach to technology adoption. Policy recommendations included creating frameworks to incentivize smart technology investment, ensuring data security, and updating hospitality curricula to include smart technology management. The study also called for ongoing research into the long-term impacts of smart room technology on guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Keywords: Voice-Activated Assistants, Automated Climate Control, Smart Lighting, Training Programs, Phased Adoption, Data Security