The Impacts of Generative AI Application on Employees’ Creativity: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Management Activities

Abstract

As generative artificial intelligence applications, such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek are widely used, the impacts of generative artificial intelligence on employees’ creativity remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the relationship between generative artificial intelligence applications and employees’ creativity as well as the role of knowledge management activities - namely knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application - in this relationship. Based on 350 employees’ valid responses in China, the structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses and we find that generative artificial intelligence applications positively impact employees’ creativity. Additionally, knowledge management activities mediate the relationship between generative artificial intelligence applications and employees’ creativity. This study provides insights into the linkage between generative artificial intelligence and employees’ creativity. This study enriches current knowledge by demonstrating how knowledge management activities mediate the relationship between generative artificial intelligence applications and employees’ creativity—an underexplored area in prior research. It also assists us in understanding how generative artificial intelligence applications influence employees’ creativity, thereby informing strategic decisions for organizations to utilize artificial intelligence while developing a creative workforce.