How Does Employees’ Anxiety About Learning Artificial Intelligence Affect Their Career Satisfaction? The Moderating Role of Perceived Substitution Crisis

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the formative role of the perceived substitution crisis in the relationship between employees' anxiety about learning artificial intelligence and their career satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach – 206 individuals aged 18 and over in the retail sector in Istanbul participated in the study. In the study, a survey was applied as a quantitative method. Data were collected using an online questionnaire consisting of demographic variables, artificial intelligence learning anxiety, career satisfaction and perceived substitution crisis scales. Reliability test, descriptive statistical test, correlation and regression analysis were applied to the obtained data.
Results – According to the findings of the study, a positive and significant relationship was found between employees' anxiety about learning artificial intelligence and their career satisfaction levels. As learning anxiety increases, employees' satisfaction with their current careers also increases. According to the results of the hierarchical regression analysis, the relationship between the anxiety about learning artificial intelligence and career satisfaction is shaped by the perceived substitution crisis. This effect is significant when employees perceive artificial intelligence as a substitute for their current position, while this effect is not significant when they do not perceive it as a substitute.
Discussion – As the perception of substitution crisis increases, the relationship between anxiety about learning artificial intelligence and career satisfaction becomes positively stronger, and the increase in employees' anxiety levels results in greater satisfaction with their careers. Conversely, if the perceived substitution crisis perception is low, this relationship is not significant. The findings emphasize the importance of the anxiety of learning artificial intelligence and the substitution crisis experienced by employees in their career satisfaction. It is hoped that the results of the study will provide new gains for managers and employees in the retail sector.