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When leaders back the bots: AI affordances, empowerment, and developer innovative work behavior
Acta Psychologica
|July 16, 2026
Summary
AI technology features boost software developers' innovative work behavior by enhancing digital self-efficacy and psychological empowerment. Leader support for AI use amplifies these positive effects, fostering greater innovation.
Area of Science:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- AI-assisted tools are increasingly integrated into software development.
- A key question is whether these tools foster innovation or just automate tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between AI technology affordances and innovative work behavior in Chinese software developers.
- To investigate the mediating roles of digital self-efficacy and psychological empowerment.
- To explore the moderating effect of leader support for AI use.
Main Methods:
- Based on the proactive motivation model.
- Survey data from 411 software developers in China.
- Structural equation modeling was used for analysis.
Main Results:
- AI technology affordances (interactivity, personalization, convenience, social presence) positively influence innovative work behavior.
- Digital self-efficacy and psychological empowerment mediate this relationship.
- Leader support for AI use strengthens the positive effects of AI affordances.
Conclusions:
- AI technology affordances promote innovative work behavior indirectly through psychological mechanisms.
- High leader support for AI enhances the innovation-promoting effects of AI tools.
- Leveraging AI affordances and leadership support is crucial for innovation in AI-intensive software development.
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