Exploring the impact of AI awareness on AI anxiety: the moderating role of perceived organizational support

Purpose In the era of swift technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force within business operations. This study endeavors to meticulously analyze the impact of AI awareness on AI anxiety across a spectrum of professional sectors, including banking, higher education and healthcare. Additionally, the research delves into examining the moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS) in alleviating these adverse effects of AI. Design/methodology/approach Using a well-established questionnaire, data were collected from 274 Egyptian banking, higher education and healthcare professionals through Google Forms. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test both the direct and moderating effects among the study variables. A multi-group analysis (MGA) was also conducted to assess the variability of these effects across different professional sectors. Findings The study findings reveal significant positive relationships between AI awareness and AI anxiety dimensions. Additionally, the study argues that POS can lessen the effect of AI awareness on AI anxiety. While the findings indicate that the impact of AI awareness on AI anxiety varies according to the sectors, these variations are not statistically significant. Practical implications The study presents actionable insights for managers to cultivate supportive work environments that facilitate AI adoption. It further urges policymakers to safeguard employee rights and promote reskilling and upskilling initiatives across sectors during technological transitions. These efforts are critical to mitigating AI-related anxieties and insecurities, ultimately ensuring a smoother transition into the AI-driven era. Originality/value This study adds valuable insights into the existing literature by offering a comparative analysis of the effect of AI awareness and POS on employee anxiety across three pivotal sectors—banking, healthcare, and higher education—where research remains notably sparse. It highlights the psychological challenges employees encounter amidst the AI integration into the workplace and the essential role of supportive organizational policies in mitigating them.