The Paradoxical Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence Induced Stressors on Employee Adaptive Performance. Evidence From China

ABSTRACT This study investigates how frequent use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) influences employees' adaptive performance in AI‐intensive work contexts. Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory, we propose that challenging stressors arising from human–AI collaboration mediate the relationship between GenAI use and adaptive performance, and that employees' experienced tensions moderate this mediation. Utilizing a three‐wave survey of Chinese employees, our findings reveal that frequent GenAI use enhances adaptive performance both directly and indirectly through challenging stressors. Notably, the indirect effect is stronger when employees experience higher levels of tensions, highlighting the role of emotional context in shaping responses to AI‐enabled work. These results suggest a paradox: while GenAI supports employees in adapting to change, its benefits are contingent upon employees' emotional states. This study contributes to human resource management research by reconceptualizing challenging stressors in AI‐intensive settings and emphasizing the importance of emotional context in human–AI collaboration.