Unlocking innovation: the role of self-sacrificial leadership in bridging knowledge behaviors and AI-driven job satisfaction

Abstract Purpose Current research study has examined the role of AI adoption for job satisfaction among teaching faculty of Pakistani universities. To bridge these relationships, two mediators have been used that are knowledge sharing and knowledge hoarding. Self-sacrificial leadership moderates the relationship between AI adoption and knowledge behaviors. The novel moderated mediation approach adds significant value to this study. Design Research study deployed quantitative technique. Data from teaching faculty were collected through structured questionnaires in different waves. Using 190 appropriate response data analysis has been conducted by using AMOS-SEM. Finding Results revealed that AI adoption has positive and significant effects on job satisfaction. Knowledge sharing and knowledge hoarding both are found mediating factor in between the relationship of AI adoption and job satisfaction. Self-sacrificial leadership has been explored as strong moderator in between the relationships of AI adoption, knowledge sharing, and knowledge hoarding. Furthermore, moderated mediation has been conducted to confirm the conditional indirect effect. Implications Findings suggest that higher education institutions must consider AI adoption investment as essential element and make the system digitally rich. Digitally rich universities can help faculty to improve the quality of knowledge. When teachers at university level will be rich in knowledge, they will have higher level of job satisfaction. Universities are suggested by current research that leaders (HODs, Deans, Principal Academic Officers) must have self-sacrificial leadership style to provide fruitful environment to faculty members.