AI usage and employee creativity: the mediating role of work engagement and the moderating role of technology acceptance

Abstract

In the new era characterized by the accelerated integration of science, technology, and industry, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a core force driving enterprise transformation. Innovation serves as the primary engine of rapid corporate development, with employee creativity being the key to such innovation. As an externally enabling technological tool, AI not only effectively extends the boundaries of employee creativity but also significantly unlocks employees' innovative potential. Therefore, enhancement of employee creativity is closely related to the effective utilization of AI technology. Based on conservation of resources theory and social exchange theory, this study develops a research model to investigate how AI usage affects employee creativity. Moreover, previous studies have predominantly focused on modeling mediating effects. To address this research gap, the present study broadens its scope by incorporating the moderating role of technology acceptance and examining its effects. Targeting Chinese SMEs, the study collected 316 samples and performed empirical analyses using SPSS and Amos. The findings reveal that AI usage influences employee creativity through work engagement. In addition, the interaction between technology acceptance and AI usage amplifies the effects on both work engagement and employee creativity. Theoretically, this study advances interdisciplinary research by integrating AI technology with organizational behavior, thus establishing a foundation for subsequent studies. Practically, it provides concrete guidance for Chinese SMEs in their digital transformation endeavors.