The Cultural and Historical Dimensions of Generative AI in Higher Education: Impacts on Workforce Productivity and Job Satisfaction in a Philippine State University

This study investigates the cultural and historical contexts influencing the integration of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into the daily professional routines of faculty and staff at Pangasinan State University. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, it examines AI’s role in productivity, job satisfaction, workplace dynamics, and the preservation of academic values in a collectivist cultural setting deeply rooted in Philippine educational traditions. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) provided insights into the benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations surrounding AI adoption. Findings reveal that AI reduces workload, supports research, and improves workflow management, but raises concerns about job security, creative autonomy, and the erosion of culturally embedded mentorship roles. The study highlights the need for AI integration strategies that respect historical roles of educators as cultural transmitters, supported by institutional training, ethical guidelines, and policies. This research contributes to the discourse on AI in higher education by situating technological adoption within the socio-cultural and historical realities of state universities in the Philippines.