Can leader AI crafting encourage employee–AI collaboration? Dual perspective of cognition-affection

Purpose Based on the cognitive-affective personality system theory, this study explores the effect of leader AI crafting on employee–AI collaboration by constructing the parallel mediating effects of AI trust and emotional exhaustion, as well as the moderating role of employee AI mindfulness. Design/methodology/approach A two-wave design was used to collect quantitative data from 257 hospitality industry employees. Findings The results showed that leader AI crafting was positively related to employee–AI collaboration. Additionally, leader AI crafting facilitated employee–AI collaboration by enhancing AI trust and reducing emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, employee AI mindfulness moderated the effect of leader AI crafting on both AI trust and emotional exhaustion. Specifically, the indirect effects of leader AI crafting on employee–AI collaboration were stronger for employees with high AI mindfulness. Originality/value This research advances leadership research in AI contexts by introducing leader AI crafting as a novel AI-specific leader behavior and extending its adaptive outcomes to employee–AI collaboration area. We offer actionable insights for developing leader AI crafting and fostering effective human–AI collaboration.