Implementing AI-assisted cross-cultural training for hospitality interns and its boundary conditions: the development of cultural intelligence and career-related outcomes

Purpose The hospitality industry must develop innovative approaches to enhance engagement and support career growth for prospective employees, , particularly in light of growing labor shortages and widespread “quiet quitting.” Following the contemporary trend of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, this study aims to examine the outcomes of adopting AI-assisted cross-cultural training (AI-CCT) for hospitality interns. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from constructivist and transformative learning theory, the present study further explores the psychological mechanisms and contingent effects of perceived ease of use of AI-CCT and length of internship on this process. The research model was examined using data from 456 hospitality interns in China context receiving a five-month AI-CCT, with data collected at two time points. Findings Mplus results reveal that interns’ positive evaluation toward AI-CCT was positively associated with their cultural intelligence (CQ); CQ was positively related to career curiosity and career confidence; and both the proposed moderating effects of perceived ease of use of AI-CCT and internship length were significantly supported. Theoretically, this study investigated the mechanism through which AI usability and internship experience jointly foster long-term career development. Practically, it offers guidance for industry to integrate AI not merely as a tool for automation but as a means to enhance workforce career adaptability. Practical implications The findings of this study can increase hospitality firms’ awareness of AI-CCT platforms as effective tools for enhancing interns’ and new employees’ competence and forming their long-term career perspectives. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is a pioneering attempt in hospitality literature to empirically examine the implementation of AI-CCT for hospitality interns.