Hybrid human-AI mentoring for internship training in management skill development: Intrigue-Driven Learning Theory (IDLT)

By integrating motivational theory and social constructivism, this conceptual paper aims to construct a new theory, the intrigue-driven learning theory (IDLT), which describes a recurring learning sequence that explains how interns develop practical management skills through workplace training and education. Building on IDLT, the study further proposes a conceptual model that specifies the relationships among hybrid human–AI mentoring, the recurring learning sequence, and management skill development, while highlighting interns’ tolerance for ambiguity as a critical moderator. The study underscores the prominence of IDLT by advancing key propositions to guide future research and the design of hybrid human–AI mentoring support in professional learning contexts. It also provides a strong theoretical foundation for future empirical research.