Every coin has two sides: The application of artificial intelligence on employees’ unethical behaviours

Based on cognitive appraisal theory, this paper performs two studies using time-lag design to explore the influential mechanism of the application of artificial intelligence (AAI) on employees’ unethical behaviours (i.e. knowledge hiding and time theft). Study 1 indicates that AAI demonstrates a significant positive impact on knowledge hiding, while job insecurity plays a mediating role in the aforementioned relationship. Study 2 not only confirms the research findings of Study 1 but also establishes that AAI exerts a significant negative influence on time theft, whereas job insecurity plays a mediating role in the above relationship. Meanwhile, perceived organizational support is capable to weaken the positive effect of AAI on job insecurity, while also weakening the indirect impact of AAI on knowledge hiding and time theft. Overall, this study unveils why, how, and when AAI shall affect employees’ unethical behaviours.