Administrative AI in Chinese universities: a systematic literature review of acceptance models and motivational factors among administrators
Xue Yan Dan, Ong Choon Hee, Suraya Miskon, Apri Junaidi · Asia Pacific Business Review · 2026
A Systematic Literature Review of 76 peer-reviewed studies (2020–2024) found that university administrators’ willingness to adopt AI-assisted administration (AAI) depends on personal attitudes, organizational readiness, and legal frameworks. While TAM, UTAUT, and TOE are widely used models, they often overlook cultural and emotional factors relevant in Chinese universities. The Hedonic Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM) offers a better fit by emphasizing pleasure and autonomy, especially when technology use is voluntary. The paper identifies the need to use culturally responsive theories and recommends future studies to capture the cognitive, emotional, and organizational complexities of AAI adoption among Chinese university administrators.