Employees' foe or friend: artificial intelligence and employee outcomes

Using the componential theory of creativity and self-determination perspective, this study tests the effect of employees' knowledge of artificial intelligence on their creativity and turnover intentions. We specifically investigate the mediating effects of self-enhancement motives and the moderating role of responsible leadership. Using a multi-wave research design, this study investigates these relationships with data from hospitality sector organizations across two distinct studies (Study 1, n = 241; Study 2, n = 279). We found that employees' knowledge of artificial intelligence is positively related to employee creativity and negatively affects the turnover intentions directly and via self-enhancement motives. We also found support for the moderating impacts of responsible leadership. This study deepens our insight into artificial intelligence and its influence on hospitality employees and suggests important implications for researchers and practitioners.