Role of innovative behaviour as a missing linchpin in artificial intelligence adoption to enhancing job security and job performance

Abstract Building upon the sociotechnical system theory, the present study contributes by examining the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, employees' innovative behaviour on employee performance and job security (JS). The primary data is collected from 340 employees from firms located in the industrial hub of a developing economy using a simple random technique, and data is analysed using Smart‐PLS 3 from the manufacturing sector. The study evidences that employees' adoption and utilization of AI technologies positively influence their innovative behaviour, job performance (JP), and security. Moreover, the study finds a mediating role of innovative behaviour to connect the dots. Organizations can prioritize using AI‐driven training programmes so employees can use AI tools efficiently. Study findings also encourage employees to engage in innovative work behaviours like investigating novel concepts and experimenting with AI technologies to improve JP. This study invalidates that AI will replace employees at the workplace, as we can safely conclude that AI adoption enhances JP and JS.