AI-enabled HR practices and agile talent deployment: the role of trust in AI and digital culture climate

Purpose This study aims to examine how artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled human resource (HR) practices foster agile talent deployment within startup firms, particularly highlighting the mediating role of trust in AI and the moderating influence of digital culture climate. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on self-determination theory, the authors propose and empirically test a moderated mediation model using data collected from a three-wave, multisource survey of 298 employees working in three technology-oriented startups in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the measurement and structural models and to test the hypothesized relationships among AI-enabled HR practices, trust in AI, digital culture climate and agile talent deployment. Findings Results reveal that AI-enabled HR practices positively influence agile talent deployment through increased employee trust in AI. In addition, the mediated relationship is stronger within organizations characterized by a robust digital culture climate, indicating that a digitally supportive organizational context enhances the effectiveness of AI-enabled HR initiatives. Originality/value The paper advances AI-enabled human resource management research by framing trust in AI as a mechanism translating supportive, transparent HR systems into agile talent deployment rather than technology acceptance. It identifies digital culture climate as an enactment condition enabling trust to become adaptive action. Practically, HR leaders should align explainable AI, trust-building practices and digital norms to strengthen workforce agility.