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Service Robots in the Workplace: Fostering Sustainable Collaboration by Alleviating Perceived Burdensomeness

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  • Eeman Almokdad

    (Tourism Innovation Lab, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong Ro, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea)

  • Chung Hun Lee

    (Tourism Innovation Lab, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong Ro, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of job demands and perceived burdensomeness on employees’ willingness to collaborate with service robots (SRs) in the workplace, with a focus on the moderating effects of organizational support, self-esteem, and self-development. Conducted among 200 employees in South Korea, the results show that higher job demands significantly increase perceived burdensomeness, which negatively affects employees’ willingness to collaborate with SRs. Organizational support moderates the negative impact of job demands, reducing their detrimental effects, although it was less effective in buffering the reduction in social interaction. Self-esteem and self-development positively moderated the relationship between burdensomeness and collaboration. This study contributes to the understanding of sustainable workforce management by highlighting the importance of fostering personal and organizational resources to ensure that SR integration enhances both operational efficiency and employee well-being. The findings align with broader sustainability goals by promoting human–robot collaboration that optimizes resource use, enhances workforce adaptability, and maintains social and psychological balance in the workplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Eeman Almokdad & Chung Hun Lee, 2024. "Service Robots in the Workplace: Fostering Sustainable Collaboration by Alleviating Perceived Burdensomeness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:21:p:9518-:d:1512212
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Henry C. Y. Ho & Ying Chuen Chan, 2022. "Flourishing in the Workplace: A One-Year Prospective Study on the Effects of Perceived Organizational Support and Psychological Capital," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-12, January.
    2. Eeman Almokdad & Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin & Chung Hun Lee, 2023. "Antecedents of Booster Vaccine Intention for Domestic and International Travel," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.
    3. Yunsik Kim, 2023. "Examining the Impact of Frontline Service Robots Service Competence on Hotel Frontline Employees from a Collaboration Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-19, May.
    4. Kichan Nam & Christopher S. Dutt & Prakash Chathoth & Abdelkader Daghfous & M. Sajid Khan, 2021. "The adoption of artificial intelligence and robotics in the hotel industry: prospects and challenges," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(3), pages 553-574, September.
    5. Frey, Carl Benedikt & Osborne, Michael A., 2017. "The future of employment: How susceptible are jobs to computerisation?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 254-280.
    6. repec:hal:gemptp:hal-01249895 is not listed on IDEAS
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