ICT Practices and Isomorphism in Tourism: Insights from Hotel Managers in Brazil

Authors

  • André Luiz Vieira Soares Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte
  • Luiz Mendes-Filho Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte
  • Ulrike Gretzel Center for Public Relations Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism University of Southern California

Keywords:

ICT practices, isomorphism, institutional theory, tourism

Abstract

This research aimed to examine technology practices through an Institutional Theory perspective focused on isomorphism. Hotel managers in Natal (Northeast Brazil) were interviewed about their ICT adoption and use. The results painted certain technology as essential for hotels and revealed isomorphic tendencies in their use. The results also highlighted a lack of institutional pressures leading to isomorphism in terms of technology non-adoption. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Author Biographies

André Luiz Vieira Soares, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte

André is a PhD student in the Department of Tourism at Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil. His main interests are information technology and communication (ICT) in tourism, and ICT adoption in tourism.

Luiz Mendes-Filho, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte

Dr. Luiz Mendes-Filho is Assistant Professor in the Department of Tourism and is Director of Tourism Management Studies Research Lab (GESTUR) at UFRN, Brazil. He is also researcher in the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq - Brazilian Federal Government Organization).

Ulrike Gretzel, Center for Public Relations Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism University of Southern California

Ulrike Gretzel is a senior fellow at the USC Center for Public Relations. Her research focuses on persuasion, technology-mediated experiences and human-technology interaction in the context of tourism.

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Published

2019-12-07

How to Cite

Soares, A. L. V., Mendes-Filho, L. and Gretzel, U. (2019) “ICT Practices and Isomorphism in Tourism: Insights from Hotel Managers in Brazil”, e-Review of Tourism Research, 17(2). Available at: https://ertr-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/ertr/article/view/505 (Accessed: 24 April 2024).

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 2 (2019)

Section

Articles

License

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