The role of artificial intelligence in effective business operations during COVID-19

Purpose The pressure to survive in a highly competitive market by using artificial intelligence (AI) has further demonstrated the need for automation in business operations during a crisis, such as COVID-19. Prior research finds managers' mixed perceptions about the use of technology in business, which underscores the need to better understand their perceptions of adopting AI for automation in business operations during COVID-19. Based on social exchange theory, the authors investigated managers' perceptions of using AI in business for effective operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study collected data through a survey conducted in China ( N = 429) and ran structural equation modeling to examine the proposed research model and structural relationships using Smart PLS software. Findings The…