Integrating Big Data Practices and Knowledge Management with Digitalization Capability: Unlocking Innovation, Performance, and Competitive Advantage in the Hospitality Sector

In today’s era of digitalization, the hospitality sector faces multiple challenges in using big data for strategic and operational decision-making to maintain competitiveness. Big data has become an essential accelerator for strategic renewal; however, its successful integration necessitates an amalgamation of management practices, knowledge capacities, and innovation avenues. A conceptual framework of this study has been constructed to investigate how big data management practices (BDMP), such as leadership focus, talent management, technological infrastructure, and organizational culture, shape big data knowledge management capabilities (BDKMC), while utilizing the Dynamic Capability View (DCV) and Resource-Based View (RBV) theories. Further, the proposed framework suggests that digitalization capability moderates the relationship between big data management practices and data knowledge management capabilities. This study contributes by addressing three specific gaps. First, this study examines the direct impact of managerial practices on BDKMC. Second, it also explores the mediating role of innovation capacity between BDKMC and the hotel’s performance and competitiveness. Third, it also investigates the moderating role of digitalization capability between BDMP and BDKMC in promoting hotels’ adaptation to dynamic market shifts. Moreover, this study will address the missing link by investigating the critical bridge linking data-driven practices to performance and competitive edge. This study will be tested empirically using a quantitative approach, and PLS SEM will be employed to test hypotheses. This study will offer theoretical and practical insights for hotel management and policy makers on using big data management practices and knowledge management capabilities to foster digital transformation and innovation-led performance and competitiveness.