Trust in AI and top management support in generative-AI adoption

Generative AI technologies like ChatGPT have gained popularity, promising substantial benefits, but have also started debates on their potential to redefine roles in the workforce. This study explores how trust and top management support are related to the actual employment of these technologies in various work environments. The research, conducted among experienced professionals from different countries, utilized an online survey. After data cleaning, the final analysis cohort comprised 128 participants. This study leveraged PLS-SEM for statistical analysis, underlining that top management support, while not directly leading to actual usage, profoundly impacts trust in AI. This trust forms a bridge between top management support and actual technology use. Thus, this study offers a novel concept of trust in AI as a key mediator. Despite the mixed sentiments surrounding generative AI, these insights are important for organizations willing to integrate such tools.