Artificial intelligence opportunity perception and career sustainability: the mediating role of personal knowledge management

Purpose The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the job market is reshaping the landscape of workforce development, presenting unprecedented challenges and opportunities for career sustainability. This study aims to is to examine the impact of individuals’ artificial intelligence opportunity perception (AIOP) on career sustainability while considering the mediating roles played by various dimensions of personal knowledge management (PKM). Design/methodology/approach By integrating person–environment (P–E) fit theory and PKM theory, this study constructs a multiple mediation research framework that explores the relationship between AIOP, PKM and career sustainability. The proposed relationships were empirically tested using survey data obtained from 302 full-time employees employed in manufacturing industries located in China’s Pearl River Delta. Findings The findings demonstrate that AIOP has a positive influence on career sustainability. Furthermore, three dimensions of PKM – knowledge acquisition, knowledge storage and knowledge application – act as mediators between AIOP and career sustainability, while the fourth dimension – knowledge sharing – does not play a mediating role in this relationship. Originality/value This paper establishes a theoretical framework that elucidates the relationship between AIOP, PKM and career sustainability based on the theories of P–E fit and PKM, which provides a valuable contribution to the existing literature. Our results provide valuable insights into strategies for enhancing career sustainability amidst rapid advancements in AI technology.