HOW AI AWARENESS DRIVES EMPLOYEE INTENTION TO LEAVE IN HOTELS: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF JOB BURNOUT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTRACT BREACH

Abstract

The main aim of this research is to examine the impact of AI awareness on the intention of employees in five-star hotels in Egypt to leave their jobs, with a focus on understanding the mediating roles of job burnout and psychological contract breach in this relationship. To evaluate the proposed model, 303 responses from full-time employees in five-star hotels were analyzed using the PLS-SEM approach. The results indicate that AI Awareness significantly contributes to increased employee intention to leave, job burnout, and perceived psychological contract breach. Additionally, both job burnout and perceived psychological contract breach have a positive effect on employees' intention to leave. The study further highlights the mediating role of AI awareness in influencing intention to leave through job burnout and perceived psychological contract breach. This study makes significant theoretical contributions by revealing how AI awareness influences employee turnover through psychological and emotional mechanisms, rather than direct causality. It extends existing theories by showing that AI awareness triggers burnout and perceptions of psychological contract breach, which in turn affect turnover intentions. This insight enriches our understanding of how technological change impacts employee attitudes, especially in technology-sensitive sectors like hospitality. The study also broadens job burnout theory by introducing AI-induced stressors such as job displacement fears and lack of control. Additionally, it advances psychological contract theory by illustrating how AI alters employees’ perceptions of job security, fairness, and career progression. These shifts can undermine trust and commitment, highlighting the need for clear communication during AI implementation. From an HRM perspective, the findings stress the importance of evolving practices to address both technical and emotional employee needs. Practically, hotel managers should communicate transparently about AI’s role to reduce insecurity and encourage buy-in. Offering AI-focused skill development can ease fears of redundancy and boost job satisfaction. Burnout should be managed through wellness programs, mental health support, and promoting work-life balance. Involving employees in AI decisions enhances their sense of control and fairness. Trust-building and ethical transparency are vital for maintaining psychological safety. Providing career development paths within an AI-enhanced environment reinforces employees’ long-term organizational value. Finally, a supportive, fair workplace fosters engagement and reduces turnover intentions in an AI-driven future.