Antecedents and outcomes of artificial intelligence adoption and application in the workplace: the socio-technical system theory perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace is on the rise. To help advance research in this area, the authors synthesise the academic research and develop research propositions on the antecedents and consequences of AI adoption and application in the workplace to guide future research. The authors also present AI research in the socio-technical system context to provide a springboard for new research to fill the knowledge gap of the adoption and application of AI in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarises the existing literature and builds a theoretically grounded conceptual framework on the socio-technical system theory that captures the essence of the impact of AI in the workplace.

Findings

The antecedents of AI adoption and application include personnel subsystem, technical subsystem, organisational structure subsystem and environmental factors. The consequences of AI adoption and application include individual, organisational and employment-related outcomes.

Practical implications

A research agenda is provided to identify and discuss future research that comprises not only insightful theoretical contributions but also practical implications. A greater understanding of AI adoption from socio-technical system perspective will enable managers and practitioners to develop effective AI adoption strategies, enhance employees' work experience and achieve competitive advantage for organisations.

Originality/value

Drawing on the socio-technical system theory, the proposed conceptual framework provides a comprehensive understanding of the antecedents and consequences of AI adoption and application in the work environment. The authors discuss the main contributions to theory and practice, along with potential future research directions of AI in the workplace related to three key themes at the individual, organisational and employment level.

Citation

Yu, X., Xu, S. and Ashton, M. (2023), "Antecedents and outcomes of artificial intelligence adoption and application in the workplace: the socio-technical system theory perspective", Information Technology & People, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 454-474. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-04-2021-0254