Exploring the Influence of Transformational Leadership on Nurses' Intentions towards Artificial intelligence Utilization in Non-AI Implemented Hospitals

Transformational leadership (TFL) is an inspiring and motivating leadership style and vital change and novel technology-enhancing factor. The lack of research studying the TFL mechanism of influencing nurses’ readiness and intention for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in non-AI implemented hospitals is the core problem. Thus, the study aimed to examine the relationship between TFL and nurses’ intentions toward AI utilization in Jordanian hospitals - an online questionnaire disseminated to nurses in targeted hospitals where AI technology is not implemented. Method used structured questionnaire grounded on a Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) for measuring TFL, and Theory of planned behaviors (TPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for measuring intention are utilized. The analysis process encompasses descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical regression. The age group 31-40 years old and those with higher educational levels recorded significantly higher intentions to utilize AI. Even with the limitations of self-reporting and cross-sectional design, findings underscore the criticality of TFL, mainly intellectual stimulation's role in structuring nurses' readiness and intention towards AI utilization, and the necessity for targeted leadership strategies to promote AI adoption culture. Despite that, TFL fosters creativity and critical thinking; some organizational factors such as training and support are significant influential factors. Thus, targeted interventions help overcome resistance and create innovation supportive culture. The results revealed a weak positive influence of TFL on nurses' intentions toward AI utilization, and the perceived intellectual stimulation dimension is the strongest intention predictor.