Social and technical enablers of AI integration: Implications for innovative workplace behavior in the UAE

This study investigates the social and technical factors influencing the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies within organizations and examines how these factors impact innovative workplace behaviour. Drawing on a combination of organizational culture, leader humility, work relationships, and AI-related technical skills, the study presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the integration of AI. Data were collected through an online survey from employees in the government, semi-government, banking, healthcare, and private sectors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 441 professional respondents from multiple sectors. The study’s findings reveal that social factors, such as organizational culture and leader humility, and technical factors, including managerial and employee AI skills, significantly contribute to the successful adoption and integration of AI. This study contributes to the literature by integrating both social and technical dimensions into a unified model. In addition, the study highlighted that AI adoption succeeds when technological readiness is matched with strong workplace relationships, supportive culture, and leader humility creating the conditions for sustained innovation. Finally, the findings provide practical implications for managers aiming to promote a supportive environment for AI adoption and innovation.