The purpose of this study is to investigate the diffusion of smartness in hospitality and, furthermore, the assimilation of smart technologies in hotel business units. A qualitative exploratory investigation with an abductive research approach was adopted and data were collected through in-depth interviewing of 39 hotel managers in the highly advanced hospitality industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Analysis of the data was conducted inductively to elicit themes within the technological, organizational, and environmental contexts and to mark trailheads for future research. The study yielded important insights into how barriers to the diffusion of smartness can be surpassed, and how smart technologies can be assimilated into existing hotel organizational structures and operations. The proposed aggregate dimensions for achieving assimilation of smart technologies in hotels highlight the importance of organizational sustained learning and smart networks synergism while shaping configurational system innovations.

本研究的目的是调查智能在酒店业中的传播，以及酒店业务部门对智能技术的同化。通过对阿拉伯联合酋长国 (UAE) 高度发达的酒店业的 39 位酒店经理的深入访谈，采用了采用溯因研究方法的定性探索性调查和收集数据。对数据进行归纳分析，以在技术、组织和环境背景下引出主题，并为未来的研究指明方向。该研究对如何克服智能传播障碍以及如何将智能技术融入现有酒店组织结构和运营提供了重要见解。