Do perceived benefits influence scholars' intention to use generative artificial intelligence?

Abstract

Purpose – This article aims at exploring the importance of perceived benefits in scholars’ decision to use generative artificial intelligence (GAI), as well as at developing and testing a theoretical multifaceted model of scholars’ intention to use GAI. Design/methodology/approach – The article uses a mixed deductive-inductive approach. The theoretical multifaceted model of scholars’ intention to employ GAI was tested based on structural equation modelling using partial least squares (PLS-SEM) and a survey conducted among 471 scientists. Findings – The results show that the benefits perceived by scholars in the fields of teaching and research have the strongest influence on their decision to employ GAI. On the other hand, perceived benefits in the administrative field are not of importance in scholars’ intention to use GAI. Research limitations/implications – The research conducted was limited in context (universities in Poland) and did not take into account a longitudinal perspective, which could have led to the omission of changes in researchers’ intentions regarding the use of GAI as a result of more intensive use of those tools in scientific work (those intentions are subject to change over time). Originality/value – The presented research constitutes a significant contribution to the literature on the use of GAI in the academic environment. Relative to previous research, our findings offer a new conceptual framework that illustrates the perceived benefits of GAI in shaping researchers’ intentions to use it, taking into account the following three key areas of academic activity: research, teaching and administrative tasks. The findings respond to the need for an in-depth analysis. They also include an analysis of the impact of socio-demographic factors and personality traits on the intention to use GAI, which constitutes an innovative contribution to the existing scientific achievements in this field.