Enhancing Innovative Work Behavior Through AI: Cognitive Absorption and the Role of a Paradox Mindset

Recent studies highlight AI's potential to enhance individual performance and creativity, but few have explored the relationship between using AI-based systems (AIBS) and innovative work behavior (IWB). The present study fills this gap by examining the relationship between the use of AI-supported decision-making and employees' innovativeness. Building upon the literature on innovation and human–AI interaction, we explore the relationship between AIBS usage and IWB. We also propose Cognitive Absorption as a valid measure to capture AIBS usage for survey data analysis. Finally, we investigate the role of Paradox Mindset in moderating such relationships. We test our hypotheses on a sample of 283 private bankers. The results indicate that AIBS usage is positively associated with IWB and that this relationship remains consistent regardless of how individuals approach and manage paradoxes.