Harnessing ChatGPT for workplace innovation: The mediating role of internal work locus of control

Abstract

Given the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the workplace, this study examined associations between ChatGPT use and innovative work behavior, with particular attention to internal work locus of control as a potential psychological pathway underlying this relationship. Using a cross-sectional, single-wave survey of 179 employees recruited in Singapore, we examined ChatGPT-use frequency and perceived effectiveness, internal work locus of control, and three facets of innovative work behavior—idea generation, idea promotion, and idea implementation. Structural equation models showed that both ChatGPT-use indicators were positively associated with internal work locus of control. In turn, internal work locus of control was positively associated with idea promotion and implementation, resulting in significant indirect associations for these two stages but not for idea generation. These results remained robust after controlling for key covariates (age, sex, subjective socioeconomic status, employment tenure, work amotivation, and burnout). These findings suggest that the association between ChatGPT use and workplace innovation may differ across innovation stages and highlight internal work locus of control as a potentially relevant psychological correlate of idea promotion and implementation.