Highlights

• The study introduces the concept of “AI event strength” to describe how employees perceive AI deployment as a psychologically significant work event.
• It reveals that AI-supported autonomy moderates the impact of AI event strength by reducing rumination and enhancing constructive obligations.

• The research uniquely identifies job crafting as a key behavioral mechanism through which employees proactively adapt to AI in the hospitality context.

Summary

This research examines how employees in the hospitality industry respond to the introduction of AI service robots, which is viewed as a significant and disruptive event in the workplace.

The study reveals two key psychological responses: some workers dwell negatively on AI (a process called AI rumination). In contrast, others feel a stronger personal duty to improve and adapt, characterized by felt obligation for constructive change (FOCC). These reactions, in turn, shape how employees redesign their jobs and perform adaptively. The study also finds that when employees are given more autonomy in working with AI, the adverse effects of rumination are reduced and the positive impact of obligation is enhanced.

These findings suggest that supporting employee autonomy is crucial for organizations aiming to navigate AI adoption smoothly and productively.

Jing Yi Bai, Tzung Cheng TC Huan, Aliana Man Wai Leong, Jian Ming Luo, Daisy X.F. Fan (2025), Examining the influence of AI event strength on employee performance outcomes: Roles of AI rumination, AI-supported autonomy, and felt obligation for constructive change, International Journal of Hospitality Management, 126, 104111, doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2025.104111.