Title: Understanding diffusion of technology (internet/e-mail usage) in rural Bed and Breakfast operations: a three-year longitudinal study

Authors: William L. Smith

Addresses: Emporia State University, BAE Department, Campus Box 4058, 1200 Commercial, Emporia, KS 66801, USA

Abstract: This paper presents partial results of a three-year exploratory study of technology diffusion in the tourism hospitality sector, specifically in Bed and Breakfast operations (B&Bs), in three states. E-mail and internet website issues in B&B businesses over three years are examined in light of the diffusion of innovation technology literature with a focus on service management practice. Adoption rates of e-mail and internet websites by these operators suggest Late Adopter to Laggard learning status during the time of the study. Implications are discussed both for future research and for management practice.

Keywords: technology diffusion; innovation; internet; websites; e-mail; learning; bed and breakfasts; B&B; services management; guest houses.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2007.011691

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2007 Vol.4 No.2, pp.160 - 171

Published online: 15 Dec 2006 *

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