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The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Employee Motivation: Mediating Role of Work Efficiency, Skill Development, Job Autonomy, and Job Insecurity

Author

Listed:
  • Gezim Jusufi
  • Xhavit Islami
  • Enis Mulolli

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) adoption influences the motivation of employees, focusing on the mediating roles of perceived work efficiency, skill development, job autonomy, and job insecurity with work-related stress. Using data collected from 358 IT employees and analysed through structural equation modelling and mediation analysis, the study finds that AI adoption has a significant direct effect on employee motivation. The findings reveal the dual nature of AI adoption: it enhances employee motivation by improving work efficiency, learning opportunities, and job autonomy, while simultaneously undermining motivation by increasing job insecurity and work-related stress. Perceived work efficiency, skill development, and job autonomy positively mediate this relationship, whereas job insecurity and work-related stress exert a negative mediating effect. This study contributes to the literature by providing an integrated mediation framework that explains how AI affects employee motivation from a socio-technical perspective. Practically, the results suggest that organisations should adopt human-centred AI strategies that amplify positive job characteristics while proactively addressing AI-related insecurity and stress.

Suggested Citation

  • Gezim Jusufi & Xhavit Islami & Enis Mulolli, 2026. "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Employee Motivation: Mediating Role of Work Efficiency, Skill Development, Job Autonomy, and Job Insecurity," Economic Studies journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 6, pages 158-179.
    • Handle: RePEc:bas:econst:y:2026:i:6:p:158-179
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy

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