New perspectives on productivity in hotels: some advances and new directions

Abstract

In this article the authors begin by discussing the concept of hotel productivity, contrasting it with industrial concepts, particularly those prevalent in manufacturing industry. The authors suggest that the most practical approach to hotel productivity is from the vantage point of management's ability to forecast demand and, against this, assess actual performance. This leads to a model of supply-demand mismatch. The article also reviews all the component concepts of productivity, together with the main findings of the recent NEDO report. The authors argue a case for a holistic model of hotel productivity using evidence from the NEDO study to support the case. Elements of a possible holistic model are described. The authors also consider some new ideas and new perspectives on the subject which may need some innovative forms of research.