AI-Demand Abusive Supervision Triggers Follower Workplace Deviant Behavior: Intervening Role of Silence and AI Knowledge

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and its potential benefits for enterprise management, more companies are applying AI in the workplace. The increasing demand for AI within organizations may, however, trigger negative emotional experiences among employees, particularly when leaders use abusive supervision practices to force followers to adopt AI. This could provoke negative behavioral reactions among employees. Considering the process of digital transformation in enterprises, research has, to date, paid limited attention to the mechanisms by which AI-demand abusive supervision affects follower behavior. To address this research gap, this study draws on social exchange theory to examine how AI-demand abusive supervision influences follower workplace deviant behavior, through the mediating role of silence. We also explore the moderating role of AI knowledge in the relationship between abusive supervision and workplace deviant behavior. We tested our hypotheses using 295 participants from a two-wave survey in China. The results indicate that AI-demand abusive supervision strengthens organizational and interpersonal workplace deviant behavior. Contrary to expectations, follower silence did not mediate the relationship between AIdemand abusive supervision and organizational deviance; however, it did mediate interpersonal deviance. Additionally, although AI knowledge negatively moderates the relationship between AI-demand abusive supervision and both organizational and interpersonal deviant behavior, it does not moderate the relationship between AI-demand abusive supervision and silence behavior. This study's findings have important implications for enterprise management. Organizations should establish effective communication channels regarding AI implementation, to encourage employees to express their opinions and reduce silence. Furthermore, providing AI technology training can enhance employees' understanding and confidence in AI usage, thereby alleviating the negative emotions and behavioral responses caused by abusive supervision.