KOREASCHOLAR

This study investigates the relationship between B&B customers’ perceived service quality, satisfaction and repurchase intention. Based on literature review, the customers and managers of selected B&Bs in some Chinese provinces were interviewed for additional sub-dimension possibility for the SERVPERF model and a service recovery sub-dimension was thus added. A questionnaire consisting of 40 questions were designed, using a fivepoint Likert-type scale ranging from “1” reflecting "strongly disagree" to “5” "strongly agree". This study collected data via an online survey platform “WJX” from experienced Chinese B&B customers’ who had staying in a B&B at least once in a B&B in China one year prior to data collection. A pilot test was conducted and some of the question items were slightly amended for easier understanding. In March 2017, the main survey was conducted and 356 questionnaires were received. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in two folds. It not only unveils customers’ perceived service quality in a rapidly developing B&B industry in China but also offers B&B owners/managers insights on how to better engage their customers in enhancing their satisfaction and ultimately repurchase intention. Some conclusions can be drawn from this study. First, the B&Bs in China should pay attention to improving customers’ perceived service quality by optimizing their marketing network and channels to facilitate better internal exchange among B&B owners/managers. Second, it is advisable to strengthen the training of service providers in instilling the importance of service recovery and to actively communicate with the in-house guests to enhance customer satisfaction. Third, the B&Bs should offer quality service to not only improve customer satisfaction as a whole but also enhance customers’ willingness to return. Lastly, the B&Bs should bring local characteristics of "people" into play, relying on local products and service resources, deepening the cultural connotation of the B&B.

• Fei Wang(The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR)
• Henry Tsai(The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR)
• Ivan Wen(University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA)
• Alan Wong(The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR)