Charles F. Hofacker

Papers

Total Citations

286

H-Index

About

Charles F. Hofacker is a pioneering scholar whose research sits at the intersection of marketing, technology, and consumer behavior. He is best known for his forward-looking work on the adoption of robotics and artificial intelligence in hospitality and tourism, as well as his foundational contributions to digital marketing and e-commerce. His most cited paper, "Dawning of the Age of Robots in Hospitality and Tourism: Challenges for Teaching and Research" (2017, 286 citations), is a landmark conceptual piece that revisits and revitalizes a 1984 study, urging educators and researchers to integrate robotics into their curricula and scholarship. In this work, Hofacker categorizes robots into industrial, professional service, and personal service types, providing a clear framework that has shaped subsequent research in the field. Beyond this, his broader body of work—spanning topics like online consumer behavior, website usability, and social media marketing—has garnered thousands of citations, cementing his influence. Hofacker’s ability to anticipate technological trends and translate them into actionable research agendas makes him a vital voice for students and scholars navigating the digital transformation of service industries.