Investigating the Impact of AI-Induced Status Changes on Employee Knowledge Behavior: A Status Competition Motivation Perspective

This study, from the perspective of status competition motivation, investigates the impact of AI-induced status changes on employee knowledge behavior. Experimental findings indicate that AI-induced status changes do not significantly stimulate dominance-based motivation but rather decrease prestige-based motivation in some employees. Prestige-based motivation positively influences knowledge sharing, whereas dominance-based motivation (contrary to initial expectations for its direct impact on hiding) was found to have a complex role, with the overarching context suggesting that when technological advancements threaten universal job security, employees, regardless of their dominant or prestige-oriented motivations, are compelled to adapt their knowledge strategies for survival. A highly politicized organizational climate also strengthens AIs positive impact on prestige-based motivation. Additionally, it reinforces the dominance-based motivation pathway.