Cross-national evidence on the HR impact of AI assimilation: mediating roles of knowledge and culture

Purpose This study examines how AI assimilation (AIA), conceptualized as an AI-augmented dynamic capability, influences strategic HRM effectiveness (SHRME) through knowledge integration capability (KIC) and collaborative culture (CC). Design/methodology/approach Drawing on dynamic capabilities view, the study tests a mediated model using four-wave survey data from 346 firms in South Korea and Vietnam. SmartPLS structural equation modeling assessed direct, parallel, and serial mediation paths, with MICOM and permutation-based multi-group analysis. Findings AIA improves SHRME directly and indirectly. It strengthens KIC and CC, which each enhance SHRME. A serial pathway also indicates that AI supports knowledge integration, which builds collaborative norms and amplifies HR effectiveness. Country comparisons showed no significant path differences. Originality/value This study provides a cross-country, four-wave test of AI assimilation in HRM and shows that AI's HR value emerges through knowledge integration and collaborative culture.