The Impacts and Mechanisms of Artificial Intelligence on Knowledge Workers: An Instrumental and Humanistic Perspective

Abstract: The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has triggered psychological and behavioral shifts among knowledge workers, reshaping their perceptions of the modern work environment and expectations for organizational growth. Currently, research on the impacts and mechanisms of AI on knowledge workers remains fragmented. This study explores the empowering and activating pathways of AI for knowledge workers in terms of “agency” and “self-actualization” through both instrumental and humanistic perspectives. The main focus includes two areas: (1) From the instrumental perspective, this study examines the informational role of AI and its dual influence on employee cognitive processes, clarifying the creativity process of knowledge workers’ “agency” in the age of AI; (2) From the humanistic perspective, this study explores how AI influences changes in employees’ psychological needs and perceptions of well-being, identifying its impact on knowledge workers’ turnover decisions related to “self-actualization.” This research is expected to deepen the understanding of AI’s influence on knowledge workers, expand theoretical studies on human-AI collaboration, and provide practical implications.