Moderated mediation model of relationship between artificial intelligence awareness and counterproductive work behavior, turnover intention

Purpose This study aimed to develop a moderated mediation model to explain the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) awareness and counterproductive work behavior, turnover intention. In this model, the authors assumed that interpersonal conflict mediates and that perceived organizational support and competitive psychological climate moderates the relationship between AI awareness and counterproductive work behavior, turnover intention. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study based on a sample of 1,129 Vietnamese employees at some enterprises of 6 fields with the highest level of AI application. Structural equation modelling analysis was used for hypothesis testing. Findings Analysis of the data demonstrates that AI awareness has a relationship with counterproductive behavior, interpersonal conflict and turnover intention. At the same time, the research results also confirm that interpersonal conflict affects counterproductive behavior and turnover intention. Moreover, interpersonal conflict mediates the effect of AI awareness on counterproductive behavior and turnover intention, and the moderating roles of perceived organizational support and competitive psychological climate has been confirmed. Research limitations/implications Sample data was only collected at a few Vietnamese enterprises in 6 fields with the highest level of application which are e-commerce, transportation and logistics, education, real estate, finance and agriculture, which may be limiting generalizability of research results. Future studies could include data from enterprises in different sectors or focus on a specific sector. Practical implications The authors offer several significant implications to reduce counterproductive work behavior and turnover intention in enterprises, such as by paying attention that the penetration and spread of AI or other smart technologies is inevitable in the future, ensuring make sure support from organization is available for the employees and creating a working environment of integrity and honesty in all situations based on trust, respect and fairness. Originality/value The study developed and verified a moderated mediated model on the relationship between AI awareness and counterproductive work behavior, turnover intention. The authors confirmed the mediating role of interpersonal conflict and the moderating role of perceived organizational support and competitive psychological climate in the relationship among AI awareness and counterproductive work behavior, turnover intention.