Knowledge Workers’ Attitudes Towards Generative Artificial Intelligence and their Influence on Digital Self-Efficacy

This quantitative cross-sectional study targeted Chinese industrial knowledge workers to explore the predictive relationship between generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) attitudes, creative problem-solving, and digital self-efficacy. Questionnaire survey was adopted, with a final valid sample of 394 respondents. Attitudes toward GenAI, constructed as a higher-order factor covering three dimensions (Benefits of AI, reverse-scored Risks of AI, and Use of AI), together with two reflective latent variables—creative problem-solving and digital self-efficacy—were measured via validated scales. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank-order correlation analysis were applied for data processing.
Descriptive results showed the composite mean score of Benefits of AI was 3.75, reverse-scored Risks of AI reached 3.79, and Use of AI scored 3.79. The average value of creative problem-solving was 3.77, while digital self-efficacy had a mean of 3.78. At the item level, participants generally agreed with statements describing AI benefits and practical usage, and reported strong self-confidence across all digital self-efficacy items. Meanwhile, respondents mostly disagreed with the original negatively framed items about AI potential hazards. Spearman correlation test further demonstrated significant positive correlations between GenAI attitudes, creative problem-solving, and digital self-efficacy.
This research supplements empirical evidence focusing on Chinese knowledge workers, and provides practical references for enterprises to develop targeted AI literacy training and boost employees’ digital competence.

Human behavior and Technology

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