Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Human Resource Management (HRM) : a driver of organizational dehumanization and negative employee reactions

Abstract

Recognizing the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource management, this research aimed to investigate the impact of AI’s involvement in HR operations on employee reactions. Study 1 examined the positive impact of AI’s involvement in HR operations on turnover intention, mediated by organizational dehumanization in the promotion decision context. In the performance evaluation context, Study 2 investigated the effect of AI’s involvement in HR operations on behavioral (turnover intention) and attitudinal (affective commitment) reactions, via organizational dehumanization. Study 3 tested organizational climate as the boundary condition in the relationships between AI’s involvement in HR operations, organizational dehumanization, and employee reactions, with an additional behavioral reaction (punishing behavior). The findings showed that AI’s involvement in HR operations leads to increased organizational dehumanization, thereby evoking negative employee reactions. Furthermore, the effect of AI’s involvement in HR operations was found to be more salient in organizations with a collaborative climate.