EXPLORING THE USE OF GENERATIVE AI TOOLS IN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS: AN APPLIED UTAUT2-INFORMED STUDY

This study analyses the factors that explain the acceptance and use of generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools by Industrial Engineering and Management professionals, based on the UTAUT2 model. An online questionnaire was administered, yielding 140 valid responses, analyzed through descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that Performance Expectancy, Habit and Hedonic Motivation are the main determinants of the behavioral intention to use, whereas Facilitating Conditions show a weak influence. The findings suggest that adoption depends less on technological availability and more on perceived usefulness and the integration of these tools into daily routines, in line with the principles of Industry 5.0.