Perceived impact of AI-powered chatbots on LIS professional's job performance: The mediating role of soft skills and innovation capabilities

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of AI-powered chatbots on LIS professionals’ job performance using Goal-Setting Theory (GST). AI-Powered Chatbots (AIPC) serve as an independent variable, and a relation was observed with Innovation Capability (IC), Soft Skills (SS), and Job Performance (JP). The study employs quantitative survey techniques. Online survey questionnaire was used as a data collection tool from 300 LIS professionals working in the academic universities of Islamabad and Lahore, Pakistan. Data was collected through non-probability sampling. Sample size was determined using literature. This study used SmartPLS to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results showed a significant relationship between AIPC, SS, IC, and JP. The findings indicate that AIPC can be used to enhance the SS, IC, and JP of LIS professionals. The findings also reveal that AIPC adoption not only improves efficiency in the work environment but fosters adaptability, creativity, and collaboration between LIS professionals to strengthen the positive organizational outcome. The mediating role of IC, and SS was also found significant on LIS professional's JP. In the context of Library and Information Sciences (LIS), this is the first study to explore the effect of AIPC on JP with the mediating role of SS and IC. This study can help in practical application of policy making and administrative decision making regarding the job performance of LIS professionals in an AI-driven technology-based environment.