Does protean career orientation moderate the relationship between AI use and job crafting? A mixed-method examination

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly entered the workplace, enabling workers to reshape their jobs through job crafting. However, little is known about how self-directed, values-driven individuals use AI to align their jobs with their strengths, interests, and development. Using time-lagged data, this mixed-methods study examined the relationship between AI use and job crafting behaviors, considering the role of self-directed protean career orientation (PCO). Results showed positive associations among PCO, AI use, and job crafting behaviors; however, PCO did not moderate the relationships between AI use and job crafting. Findings also showed that self-directed PCO predicts workers’ use of AI for automation and dual uses, as well as enhanced task crafting behaviors. This paper advances theory on emerging conceptualizations of AI use and offers novel insights into how high PCO workers use AI to shape their work. Furthermore, I discuss how integrating AI technologies may benefit workers by enhancing their productivity, work meaningfulness, and well-being.