Task supported or task decision-making? Which AI workplace enhances employee AI identity more in manufacturing enterprise

In manufacturing enterprises, many workplaces incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), employee use of AI has a significant impact on productivity. Employee AI identity varies across different AI-based workplaces, which are characterized by the presence of AI and employee-AI collaboration. This research categorizes AI workplaces into two types: task-supported AI workplaces (TSAIWs), where employees lead the core tasks, and task-decision-making AI workplaces (TDAIWs), where AI leads the core tasks. It further explores how these AI workplace types influence employee AI identity, along with the mediating and moderating effects involved. Based on data collected from 389 employees in a Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprise, the results show that employee AI identity is more strongly developed in TDAIWs than in TSAIWs. Moreover, employee - AI task fit partially mediates the relationship between AI workplace type and employee AI identity, while employee work experience positively moderates the effect of AI workplace type on employee-AI task fit. This research contributes to the development of AI identity theory and provides practical recommendations for enhancing employee-AI collaboration in enterprises.