From AI Literacy to AI Use: Evidence from a Multi-Organization Upskilling Program

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes integral to organizational processes, employee adoption emerges as a key determinant of a successful implementation. This study draws on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and extends it with AI-specific drivers, AI literacy and attitude toward AI, alongside established factors such as subjective norm and effort expectancy, while exploring the moderating roles of the demographic factors age and gender. We surveyed 180 employees from 39 organizations in Bavaria, Germany, before and after a five-month AI upskilling program. Results show that AI literacy and subjective norm were the strongest predictors of AI use. Age moderated the literacy-use relationship, with diminished effects for older employees. Pre-post training comparisons showed significant gains in AI literacy, AI use, and AI-supported task share. These findings refine UTAUT by incorporating AI literacy and offer practical insights for designing targeted, age-sensitive interventions to drive workplace AI usage.