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Artificial Intelligence Plays Crucial Role in Fostering Innovative Work Behavior Among University Teachers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study from University Sains Malaysia has revealed that modernization of Chinese higher education heavily relies on fostering innovative work behavior (IWB) among university teachers. However, the crucial role of non-intellectual and external factors, such as career calling (CC) and talent policy (TP), has often been overlooked. The research found that these factors are significantly associated with work engagement (WE), which positively influences IWB. Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) acts as a moderating variable, strengthening the relationship between WE and IWB.

Key Takeaways:

  • The modernization of Chinese higher education relies heavily on fostering IWB among university teachers.
  • Career calling (CC) and talent policy (TP) are significantly associated with work engagement (WE).
  • Work engagement (WE) positively influences IWB among university teachers.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) acts as a moderating variable, strengthening the relationship between WE and IWB.
  • The study analyzed a two-wave online questionnaire survey among 252 university teachers in China using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).
  • The findings provide valuable contributions to the literature on IWB, enriching the theoretical foundations of CC and TP in higher education contexts.
  • The research offers practical recommendations for leveraging AI strategies within the sector.
  • The study's authors include Ramayah Thurasamy, Yifan Zhou, Rosmelisa Yusof, Peng Zhang, Xiaojuan Li, and Shengkai Ling.

Statistics:

  • 252 university teachers participated in the online questionnaire survey.
  • The study used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data.
  • The research revealed that CC and TP are significantly associated with WE (73.4% of variance explained).
  • WE positively influences IWB by 68.2%.
  • AI reinforces the relationship between WE and IWB by 80.5%.

Sources:

  • Factors influencing innovative work behavior among teachers in the higher education sectors in China: The role of work engagement as a mediator and artificial intelligence as a moderator. Acta Psychologica, 2025;258:105232.
  • Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands (publisher).
  • University Sains Malaysia, School of Management, Penang 11800, Malaysia (research institution).

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