Abstract

The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplaces has transformed organisational processes and employee work experiences. However, limited research has examined the mechanisms through which AI adoption influences employee performance. Drawing on the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) theory, this study investigates the effect of AI adoption on employee task performance, the mediating role of work engagement, and the moderating role of digital leadership in the Indian IT sector. A quantitative research design was employed, using survey data from 245 employees working in Indian IT organisations, which were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that AI adoption positively influences work engagement and employee task performance, and that work engagement, in turn, significantly enhances task performance. The results further reveal that work engagement partially mediates the relationship between AI adoption and employee task performance. In addition, digital leadership strengthens the positive effect of AI adoption on work engagement, thereby amplifying its indirect effect on employee task performance. This study extends JD-R theory by conceptualising AI adoption as a technological job resource and highlights the importance of leadership support in maximising AI-related workplace outcomes. The findings offer practical insights for organisations seeking to improve employee engagement and performance in AI-enabled work environments.

Authors

Md Alijan Arif, Mohammed Kamalun Nabi
Jamia Millia Islamia, India

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Work Engagement, Employee Task Performance, Digital Leadership, JD-R theory, Indian IT Sector