Cross-national evidence on the HR impact of AI assimilation: mediating roles of knowledge and culture

Heungsok Cha

International Journal of Manpower, 2026, vol. 47, issue 9, 1070-1086

Abstract: PurposeThis study examines how AI assimilation (AIA), conceptualized as an AI-augmented dynamic capability, influences strategic HRM effectiveness (SHRME) through knowledge integration capability (KIC) and collaborative culture (CC).Design/methodology/approachDrawing on dynamic capabilities view, the study tests a mediated model using four-wave survey data from 346 firms in South Korea and Vietnam. SmartPLS structural equation modeling assessed direct, parallel, and serial mediation paths, with MICOM and permutation-based multi-group analysis.FindingsAIA improves SHRME directly and indirectly. It strengthens KIC and CC, which each enhance SHRME. A serial pathway also indicates that AI supports knowledge integration, which builds collaborative norms and amplifies HR effectiveness. Country comparisons showed no significant path differences.Originality/valueThis study provides a cross-country, four-wave test of AI assimilation in HRM and shows that AI's HR value emerges through knowledge integration and collaborative culture.

Keywords: AI assimilation; Strategic HRM effectiveness; Knowledge integration capability; Collaborative culture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ijmpps:ijm-09-2025-0805

DOI: 10.1108/IJM-09-2025-0805

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