Belief triggers to action in artificial intelligence arenas: Exploring the role of AI intention and top management support in multi-level investigation

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of belief about artificial intelligence (AI) on AI continuous usage in Business-to-Business (B2B) contexts through the lens of socio-technical system theory (STST). Using multilevel structural equation modeling of data from 460 employees across 78 software firms in Southern China, this study examines how beliefs about AI influence AI continuous usage, mediated by intention to use AI and moderated by top management support. Results demonstrate that positive belief about AI significantly enhance intention to use AI and AI continuous usage, and also indicate a significant mediating effect of intention to use AI. Top management support emerged as a significant organizational-level moderator of these relationships. The findings of this study contribute to understanding AI adoption in B2B service sectors by integrating human and technical factors within an STST framework.