Artificial intelligence, human collaboration, and big data knowledge management: Enabling governance innovation and firm performance

Digitalisation is essential for businesses that integrate human and artificial intelligence (AI) to transform ideas into reality. This study examines how the use of AI affects corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The study investigates the moderating effect of artificial intelligence and human intelligence (AI-HI) collaboration on the use of AI, CG, and CSR. The moderating influence of big data knowledge management (BDKM) on CG, CSR, and firm performance is examined. To examine these relationships, this study draws on resource-based view and stakeholder theories. This study used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling on data gathered from 404 manufacturing firm managers in Punjab, Pakistan. The findings suggested that AI use affects CG (β = 0.606) and CSR (β = 0.535). Furthermore, CG (β = 0.294) and CSR (β = 0.237) significantly contribute to firm performance. The AI-HI collaboration moderates between AI use and CG (β = 0.164) and CSR (β = 0.108). Similarly, BDKM moderates the relationship between CG (β = 0.115) and CSR (β = 0.113) and firm performance. The study argues that integrating AI into CG and social responsibility frameworks can improve firm performance; AI-HI collaboration serves as a key moderator. This highlights the transformational opportunities of BDKM in enhancing the effects of governance and responsibility strategies. The results provide a new outlook for companies that have decided to use AI and data insights to achieve sustainable business performance.