Leveraging AI-driven insights to enhance sustainable human resource management performance: moderated mediation model: evidence from UAE higher education

This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven insights on sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM) performance in higher education institutions. It explores the mediating roles of HRM practices optimization and decision-making enhancement, as well as the moderating effects of organizational culture, AI adoption readiness, and ethical considerations. By incorporating innovative insights into artificial intelligence technologies, this research contributes to career and HRM literature by revealing how AI transforms workforce dynamics in academic institutions. Data was collected via a quantitative survey from 215 participants, including administrators, AI and data science experts, data analysts, human resource management professionals, institutional leaders, IT staff, and policymakers from higher education institutions in the UAE. Using non-probability quota sampling. Data analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) using Partial Least Squares SEM (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS software. Findings confirm that AI-driven insights significantly enhance sustainable HRM performance. Both HRM practices optimization and decision-making enhancement mediate this relationship. While ethical considerations, organizational culture, and AI adoption readiness directly influence HRM sustainability, they do not significantly moderate AI’s impact, suggesting that individual engagement with AI technologies plays a more pivotal role than broader organizational factors. This research uniquely integrates the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine AI adoption in HRM within higher education—an area previously underexplored. It underscores the importance of HRM optimization and decision-making in maximizing AI’s benefits. The findings offer strategic insights for higher education institutions seeking to enhance HRM sustainability through effective AI integration.