From awareness to action: unraveling the interplay of employee AI awareness and change leadership in fostering knowledge hiding

Purpose This paper investigates the mediating role of employee awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) in the relationship between technological turbulence and knowledge hiding, with a focus on the moderating impact of change leadership. Design/methodology/approach The survey study adopted a quantitative approach to propose and test a model based on predictors of knowledge hidings. The survey approach received 320 respondent firms in the hotel management sector. The structural and measurement model was calculated using SmartPLS. Findings Employee AI awareness mediates the relationship between technological turbulence and knowledge hiding. Change leadership significantly moderates this relationship, reducing knowledge hiding by promoting innovative discussions and collaboration. High employee AI awareness can lead to knowledge hiding due to perceived threats to job security, but effective leadership mitigates this by fostering a collaborative environment. Originality/value The study highlights the importance of effective leadership in reducing knowledge hiding and emphasizes the need for a collaborative environment where employees view external partnerships as opportunities for learning and acquiring AI knowledge.