Understanding Human-AI Co-creation in the Workplace: A Study on Organizational Drivers and Innovation Outcomes

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become increasingly used in organizations, understanding how to achieve real performance gains from their use is a growing priority. While much research has focused on automation, this study shifts attention to human–AI collaboration, examining how organizational factors enable employees to co-create value with AI. Drawing on structural empowerment theory, we propose an holistic model that investigates both antecedents of AI use behavior and human–AI co creation, and the consequent outcomes in terms of innovation and productivity skills. Results reveal that structural empowerment significantly impacts use and co-creation, and that human–AI co-creation not only increases innovation and productivity but also moderates the impact of AI use, highlighting that collaboration quality can compensate for lower usage frequency. These findings extend empowerment theory into AI studies and support socio-technical perspectives by showing the interaction between social and technological elements.