Research Interest

Technology-mediated services and experiences

• Hospitality-distinct experiences in tech-mediated services
• Gamification applications and the strategic allocation of its game elements
• Necessary conditions in consumer–AI interactions

Necessary causality and Necessary condition analysis (NCA)

• Necessity-based causal inference and experimentation
• Necessity theorizing in hospitality/tourism research

• ← Ongoing research

Journal Publications

• ****Jin, D., Lu, L., & Lee, W. (2025). Improving employee-robot collaboration in hospitality: Understanding the zero-sum mindset. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 126, 104062.
• Lee W., Lu L. (2025). Lined up? Examining a “waiting line” effect in technology-enabled menu orderings. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, 49(3), 433-448.
• Lee W., Lu L. (2025). Good theories predict: Unveiling the untapped potential of “necessity” theorizing. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, 49(2), 219-234.
• Lee W., Lu L. (2024). The hospitable thought that counts: An emerging theory of “AI consciousness” in genuine hospitality. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 123, 103928.
• Lee W., Lu L., Li X. (2024). Unlocking the power of gamification: Alleviating reward-sensitivity in promotional interactions. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 119, 103717.
• Lee, W., & Lee, J. K. (2021). Can Recreation Specialization Negatively Impact Pro-Environmental Behavior in Hiking Activity? A Self-Interest Motivational View. Leisure Sciences, 46(4), 442-457.
• Lee, W., Lu, L. (2023). Designing gamified interactions with self-service technology at restaurants. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 113, 103503.
• Lee, W., Park, S., & Jeong, C. (2022). Repositioning risk perception as a necessary condition of travel decision: The case of North Korea tourism. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 52, 252-263.
• Lee, W., & Jeong, C. (2021). Distinctive roles of tourist eudaimonic and hedonic experiences on satisfaction and place attachment: Combined use of SEM and necessary condition analysis. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 47, 58-71.
• Lee, W., Shin, L., & Jeong, C. (2020). Leisure constraints and negotiation strategies of South Korean university students living in single-person households: a grounded theory exploration. World Leisure Journal, 62(4), 357-377.
• Lee, W., & Jeong, C. (2020). Beyond the correlation between tourist eudaimonic and hedonic experiences: necessary condition analysis. Current Issues in Tourism, 23(17), 2182-2194.
• Lee, W., & Jeong, C. (2018). Effects of pro-environmental destination image and leisure sports mania on motivation and pro-environmental behavior of visitors to Korea's national parks. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 10, 25-35.
• Mun, N. Y., Lee, W., & Jeong, C. (2018). Traveling from South to North: The relationships between historical nostalgia, novelty seeking, and attitudes to visit North Korea. International Journal of Tourism Sciences, 18(3), 170-191.