Research on the Impact of AI Symbolic Leader on Employee Innovation Behavior - Based on a Moderated Mediation Model

Yanan Li; Tao Xie; Ziyuan Wan; Lishen Xu; Shuai Zhao; Chen Cai

doi:10.47297/wspchrmWSP2040-800509.20261701

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Research on the Impact of AI Symbolic Leader on Employee Innovation Behavior - Based on a Moderated Mediation Model

Volume 17, Issue 1

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Research on the Impact of AI Symbolic Leader on Employee Innovation Behavior - Based on a Moderated Mediation Model
Research on the Impact of AI Symbolic Leader on Employee Innovation Behavior - Based on a Moderated Mediation Model
1.School of Economics and Management, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 25100, China
2.School of Economics, Shenyang University, Shenyang,110000, China
3.School of Management, Heilongjiang University of Science and Technology, Harbin, 150000, China
4.Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi, 10400, Thailand
5.School of Business, Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan, 250000, China
6.Yunnan College of Tourism Vocation, Kunming, 650032, China
Vol. 17, Issue 1, Pages: 157-175(2026)
Published：30 March 2026
DOI：10.47297/wspchrmWSP2040-800509.20261701
Accepted：

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Li Yanan,Xie Tao,Wan Ziyuan,et al.Research on the Impact of AI Symbolic Leader on Employee Innovation Behavior - Based on a Moderated Mediation Model[J].Journal of Chinese Human Resources Management,2026,17(01):157-175.
DOI：

Li Yanan,Xie Tao,Wan Ziyuan,et al.Research on the Impact of AI Symbolic Leader on Employee Innovation Behavior - Based on a Moderated Mediation Model[J].Journal of Chinese Human Resources Management,2026,17(01):157-175. DOI： 10.47297/wspchrmWSP2040-800509.20261701.

摘要

Abstract

With the widespread use of AI technology in enterprises

organizational management models and leadership styles are undergoing changes

and AI symbolic leader is gradually receiving attention. The article is based on social information processing theory

social cognition theory

and workplace anxiety theory

with the research logic of "leadership style ability behavior outcome"

revealing the impact mechanism of AI symbolic leader on employee innovative behavior. Furthermore

by constructing a moderated chain mediation model

the intrinsic correlation between AI symbolic leader and employee innovative behavior was empirically tested from two dimensions: employee psychological security and artificial intelligence anxiety. A data analysis using 527 enterprise employee survey questionnaires as valid samples showed that an AI symbolic leader has a significant positive impact on employee innovation behavior

and employee psychological security plays a mediating role in this process

while artificial intelligence anxiety negatively moderates this relationship. The research conclusion of this paper provides practical guidance on how to implement effective leadership styles in the context of artificial intelligence

which can help organizations achieve more efficient management and a more dynamic innovation atmosphere in the process of AI application.

关键词

Keywords

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