The Mediating role of attitudes towards artificial intelligence in the effect of healthcare workers’ levels of cognitive flexibility on innovative work behaviour

BackgroundDigital transformation in healthcare requires healthcare professionals to adapt to emerging technologies and exhibit innovative work behaviors. Cognitive flexibility is an important individual characteristic that facilitates adaptation to change and innovation. However, the role of attitudes toward artificial intelligence in this relationship remains unclear.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the effect of healthcare professionals' cognitive flexibility on innovative work behavior and to determine the mediating role of attitudes toward artificial intelligence in this relationship.MethodsThe study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational design. Data were collected from 532 healthcare professionals working in Konya, Türkiye, using convenience sampling. The Cognitive Flexibility Scale, Innovative Work Behavior Scale, and Artificial Intelligence Attitude Scale were used. Descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, Pearson correlation analysis, and bootstrap-based mediation analysis were conducted.ResultsCorrelation analyses revealed significant positive relationships among cognitive flexibility, attitudes toward artificial intelligence, and innovative work behavior (p < 0.001). Regression analyses demonstrated that cognitive flexibility significantly predicted both attitudes toward artificial intelligence (β=0.436, p < 0.001) and innovative work behavior (β=0.472, p < 0.001). Furthermore, bootstrap mediation analysis confirmed a statistically significant indirect effect of cognitive flexibility on innovative work behavior through attitudes toward artificial intelligence (β=0.097, 95% CI [0.075, 0.168], p < 0.001), indicating partial mediation.ConclusionsAttitudes towards artificial intelligence partially mediate the relationship between cognitive flexibility and innovative work behavior among healthcare professionals. Enhancing cognitive flexibility and fostering positive AI attitudes may contribute to supporting innovative practices and facilitating digital transformation in healthcare organizations.