Autonomous enhancement or emotional depletion? The dual-path mechanism of AI usage on employees’ work behavior

As a core driver of social progress, artificial intelligence (AI) has a far-reaching impact on employee behavior in the workplace. A dual-path model based on the SOR theory reveals the dual effects of AI usage. A four-stage longitudinal study analyzed data from 285 finance professionals, showing that AI usage can both boost innovative work behavior by enhancing sense of self-determination and predict work disengagement behavior via the emotional exhaustion elicited by AI-associated technostressors. Leaders' AI symbolization plays a key moderating role, strengthening AI's positive effect on sense of self-determination and lessening its negative impact on emotional exhaustion. This research offers theoretical and practical guidance for organizations to improve employee management strategies.