Title: The innovative organisation of Airbnb: business model innovation and holacracy structure to enhance innovative business behaviour coping with the impact of the COVID-19

Authors: Hiroko Oe; Linh Le

Addresses: The Business School, Bournemouth University, 89 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8EB, UK ' The Business School, Bournemouth University, 89 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8EB, UK

Abstract: Challenging traditional hotel chains, Airbnb is widely known as a major disruptor in the industry of short-term accommodation rentals and is broadening to other hospitality services. On a commission-based digital platform, Airbnb operates as a peer-to-peer business provider where it is driven to match guests and hosts with listings or experiences of relevance at an affordable price. The corporation has originated from the edge of the market, disrupting the contemporary hotel business and amplifying its influence on the mainstream. This article aims to evaluate Airbnb in the light of business model innovation and disruptive innovation theory. Themes will be discussed and presented on how to enhance innovative business strategies based on the unique organisational framework holacracy, which should be the key factor in sustaining business during and after the COVID-19 lockdown.

Keywords: Airbnb; sharing economy; business model innovation; disruptive innovation; informal economy; COVID-19 lockdown; holacracy system.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2023.128344

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2023 Vol.30 No.1, pp.84 - 101

Received: 08 Sep 2020
Accepted: 08 Dec 2020
Published online: 18 Jan 2023 *