Autonomous enhancement or emotional depletion? The dual-path mechanism of AI usage on employees’ work behavior

Bibliographic Data

ID22077798
AuthorsDaokui Jiang (0000-0002-2341-6127, Shandong Normal University, corresponding author), Yaru Liu (0000-0003-3178-6352, Shandong Normal University), Xuan Gu (0000-0003-3966-8844, Shandong Normal University)
Year2026
Volume14
Pages1695066-1695066
Publication date2026-03-18
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2026.1695066
PMID41929886
OpenAlexW7138941773
LanguageEN
References cited46

As a core driver of social progress, artificial intelligence (AI) has a far-reaching impact on employee behavior in the workplace. A dual-path model based on the SOR theory reveals the dual effects of AI usage. A four-stage longitudinal study analyzed data from 285 finance professionals, showing that AI usage can both boost innovative work behavior by enhancing sense of self-determination and predict work disengagement behavior via the emotional exhaustion elicited by AI-associated technostressors. Leaders’ AI symbolization plays a key moderating role, strengthening AI’s positive effect on sense of self-determination and lessening its negative impact on emotional exhaustion. This research offers theoretical and practical guidance for organizations to improve employee management strategies

Disengagement theory · Emotional intelligence · AI in Service Interactions · Cyberloafing and Workplace Behavior · Technostress in Professional Settings

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