I am the “owner” of the hotel: The impact of human-robot interactivity on guests' pro-environmental behavior in hotels

Abstract

As human-computer hybrid intelligence grows, hotels increasingly introduce service robots. However, the impact of new technology on hotel energy consumption remains debated. This research uses psychological ownership theory to explore how human-robot interactivity influences guests' pro-environmental behaviors in hotels and the mechanism behind this. Results show that increased human-robot interactivity boosts guests' psychological ownership, encouraging pro-environmental behavior. Additionally, relationship norms and technology readiness moderate this effect. Specifically, communal relationship and positive technology readiness positively moderate the impact of human-robot interactivity on psychological ownership. In contrast, exchange relationship and negative technology readiness play a negative moderating role. The study highlights key factors to enhance guests' pro-environmental behaviors and suggests which service robot hoteliers should introduce.