The “Double-Edged Sword” Effect of Perceived AI Application on Knowledge Workers'Innovative Behavior: Empowerment Perception and Replacement Anxiety as Parallel Mediators

Abstract

This study examines the mechanisms through which perceptions of AI applications influence the innovative

behavior of knowledge workers from the perspective of employee cognitive psychology. Building on this foundation, it

proposes a parallel mediation model that integrates psychological empowerment theory, job insecurity theory, and

resource conservation theory, with AI empowerment and AI replacement anxiety serving as mediating variables. Data

were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using regression analysis and the Bootstrap method. The findings

indicate that perceptions of AI applications can enhance the innovative behavior of knowledge workers, and this effect

operates through two distinct mechanisms: First, perceptions of AI applications increase AI empowerment, which in

turn enhances employees’ self-efficacy and sense of resource control, thereby promoting innovative behavior; second,

perceptions of AI applications also trigger AI replacement anxiety, which conversely inhibits the development of

innovative behavior; Mediation analysis revealed that both factors play a partial mediating role but in opposite

directions, indicating that AI application exhibits a “double-edged sword effect.” The study also found that the impact

of perceived AI application on employee behavior is multi-layered and complex. By examining both positive and

negative aspects, this paper not only contributes to understanding employee behavior in an AI environment but also

provides insights for enterprises to better apply artificial intelligence and enhance their innovation capabilities.