Perception before Adoption: Artificial Intelligence through Employees’ Eyes, Manvi Kalra, Swati Tripathi

Manvi Kalra and Swati Tripathi 
International Management Institute New Delhi
India

DOI: 10.47556/B.OUTLOOK2026.24.1

Abstract

The study aims to conceptualise employees' perception of artificial intelligence at work, drawing from literature on artificial intelligence, employee’s perspective of artificial intelligence and adoption of artificial intelligence, this paper formulates propositions to better understand employees' perception of AI and adoption of AI at work. For a comprehensive theoretical understanding,  integration of Artificial Intelligence Device Use and Acceptance framework along with Cognitive Appraisal Theory is used as it explains how employees perception emerges, emotions get involved and shapes employees willingness to use the AI-enabled systems. This paper argues that adoption is not merely a technological response or an organizational mandate but how employees perceive AI at work. This paper offers a novel theoretical contribution as it links cognitive and affective appraisals to employees perception of AI and suggests future research recommendations. This opens a new perspective on willingness to adopt AI, moving beyond technical features and resistance to a better understanding of employee-AI interaction in usage of AI-enabled systems in organizations.