How has artificial intelligence awareness changed employees’ job performance?

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) awareness on job performance through active learning, task crafting, job satisfaction and career competencies based on theories of work adjustment, conservation of resources and locus of control. Design/methodology/approach This study uses quantitative research methods to test conceptual model hypotheses. With the targeted sampling method, data were collected from 1,129 Vietnamese employees at some enterprises in six fields with the highest level of AI application. Using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method, measurement and structural models were evaluated before testing the research hypotheses about the influence of AI awareness on job performance. Findings The hypotheses of the research model are all accepted with the collected data. AI awareness has a positive impact on active learning, task crafting, job satisfaction, career competencies and job performance. Active learning has a positive relationship with job satisfaction and career competencies. Task crafting has a positive relationship with job satisfaction and career competencies. Job satisfaction and career competencies are proven to have a positive influence on job performance. Locus of control moderates the relationship between AI awareness and active learning, AI awareness and task crafting. Research limitations/implications Sample data were only collected at a few Vietnamese enterprises in six fields with the highest level of application, which are e-commerce, transportation and logistics, education, real estate, finance and agriculture, which may be limiting the generalizability of the research results. Future studies could include data from enterprises in different sectors or focus on a specific sector. Practical implications The findings indicate that managers need to clearly explain the purpose of applying AI in the enterprise to employees, and suggest ways for them to proactively accumulate knowledge and skills at work, as well as reshape work to suit AI. Managers should also give employees the opportunity to proactively learn and change the way they do work to help them feel satisfied at work and promote their career capabilities. Besides, managers should understand employees’ perspectives and abilities regarding their capacity to manage work in the face of external environmental changes. Originality/value This study extends previous studies by focusing on the positive impact of AI awareness on job performance. The author offers some suggestions for managers to understand employee psychology, build a working environment and promote job performance through awareness of the impact of AI on employee behavior.