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What kind of robotic service do customers prefer when they dine out alone? This study aims to investigate how robotic service type affects solo diners’ attitude toward robotic service and restaurant revisit intention, through the mediation of rapport. It also examines the moderating effects of the need to belong and restaurant type.

Three experiments were conducted. Study 1 used a one-factor between-subjects design to test the effect of robotic service type on rapport and solo diners’ responses. Study 2 conducted a 2 (robotic service type: service-delivery vs entertainment) × need to belong quasi-experimental design to examine the moderation of need to belong. Study 3 used a 2 (robotic service type: service-delivery vs entertainment) × 2 (restaurant type: traditional restaurant vs solo-friendly restaurant) factorial between-subjects design to test the moderation of restaurant type. A qualitative study (Study 4) complements the experimental results based on semistructured interviews.

Entertainment (vs service-delivery) robotic service has a stronger effect on solo diners’ responses, with rapport serving as a mediator. Additionally, solo diners with a heightened need to belong demonstrate an intensified rapport effect when receiving entertainment-oriented robotic service. Furthermore, restaurant type plays a moderating role between robotic service type and consumer responses. For traditional restaurants, solo diners who receive entertainment (vs service-delivery) robotic service tend to form stronger rapport and favorable responses. The results of the qualitative study elucidate and support the hypothesized relationships of the experimental studies.

Restaurant operators could consider offering entertainment-based smart devices that allow solo diners to indulge themselves during the dining encounter. Restaurants could also design environmental cues that can signify a sense of comfort, such as redesigning tables with individual seats for solo diners to enhance their perceptions of shared characteristics among other solo diners in the same space.

This research advances the literature on solo dining and robotic service, by investigating how human–robot interaction can fulfill solo diners’ relatedness goals, as self-determination theory suggests. This inquiry also represents an early attempt in the hospitality literature to empirically examine the influence of robotic service type on consumer responses through the mediation of rapport.

Social innovation (SI) is seen as a cornerstone for addressing the major social and environmental challenges of today’s world.Given that multinational enterprises (MNEs) play a crucial role in contributing to a more sustainable world, this leads us to wonder about the potential of these innovation initiatives in the context of these firms. This systematic literature review aims to explore SI within these firms and suggest future research avenues, as well as highlight the implications of the subject.

Based on the analysis of 46 articles, this paper employs the PRISMA method to conduct a systematic literature review on SI within MNEs.

Drawing from the analysis of the results, this paper observes that SI within MNEs is generally mobilized within the framework of other responsible conceptualizations such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); however, it remains a crucial lever for value creation in MNEs. Additionally, this review asserts that social innovation within MNEs acts as a catalyst for sustainability, social change, institutional effectiveness and knowledge sharing within these firms. Moreover, it illustrates the conditions for the success of this innovation in MNEs, including addressing the instrumental needs of target users, committing to the long term, the ability to shape the environment, maintaining a strong position among stakeholders and adapting new technologies.

This review offers a nuanced exploration of how SI manifests within MNEs, examining its diverse conceptualizations, functions and the conditions necessary for success. Building on this analysis, it highlights key theoretical, practical and policy implications, along with a series of research questions designed to establish a solid foundation for future research.