IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION UTILIZING HACKMAN AND OLDHAM’S JOB CHARACTERISTICS MODEL

Nagamani Palla
Rickey Casey
Kiran Palla
Campbellsville University, Kentucky
ABSTRACT
Due to the digital transformation era, the extensive application of artificial intelligence
(AI) is profoundly altering the workplace environment, thereby underscoring the critical need to
elucidate its impact on several aspects of employee behavior (innovation, motivation, etc.) Such
insights are essential for optimizing human resource management and enhancing organizational
competitiveness. Grounded in cognitive evaluation theory (Charlwood & Guenole, 2022). As
organizations increasingly adopt AI technologies, understanding their influence on workforce
motivation is essential for maintaining high levels of employee engagement and productivity. This
study examines the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and employee motivation,
utilizing the dimensions of Hackman and Oldham Job Characteristics Model (skill variety, task
identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback).
Using large samples of organizations that utilize AI and those that do not, the results
indicated a significant relationship between AI and employee motivation. This study’s results also
reveal that the use of AI has a complex influence on motivation. While certain applications of AI
enhance task significance and skill variety, others diminish perceived autonomy and job identity.
The study also highlights variations in employee responses based on the extent of AI involvement in
daily tasks. Finally, these findings offer practical insights for managers aiming to balance AI
adoption with strategies that support employee motivation, suggesting the need for tailored
approaches to AI deployment that consider job design principles.
Keywords: AI, employee motivation, employee engagement, productivity, task significance, skill variety, autonomy,
task significance, and task identity