Organizational Readiness for Artificial Intelligence Adoption in the Maritime Industry: A Socio‑Technical Perspective

This study examines how training access shapes organisational outcomes through the mediating roles of leadership communication and organisational culture, with the broader aim of informing organisational readiness for AI adoption in Malaysian organisations. A quantitative, explanatory and correlational design was employed, drawing on survey data from 402 employees across multiple sectors. Structural equation modelling was used to test a dual and sequential mediation model. The results show that training access exerts significant positive effects on leadership communication, organisational culture and organisational outcomes, while communication and culture also significantly predict outcomes. Both variables partially mediate the relationship between training and outcomes, and a significant sequential pathway from training through communication and culture to outcomes is observed. The findings suggest that training is necessary but insufficient on its own; its impact on effectiveness and AI readiness is substantially strengthened by communicative leadership and an enabling culture. For maritime organisations preparing for AI deployment, aligning training with deliberate communication practices and culture‑building initiatives offers a more resilient pathway towards technology‑ready workplaces.