Cracking the Code of AI Autonomy: Examining the Role of Challenge and Hindrance Appraisals and AI Literacy in Task Satisfaction
Rujuta Parekar · Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research · 2026
AI is constantly evolving and being rapidly integrated into the workplace. Limited research has examined how this integration is affecting employee outcomes, and particularly the impacts of whether employees are expected or mandated to use AI for their work. The present study utilized the challenge-hindrance framework to examine the effect of autonomy in using AI on task satisfaction through challenge and hindrance appraisal among working adults. Since the ability to understand and use AI can influence how individuals perceive it, the moderating effect of AI literacy on the hypothesized research model is also examined. A multi-wave research design was used to collect data from individuals who had the capacity to use AI for at least some of their work tasks. Results indicated that AI autonomy was not related to challenge or hindrance appraisal. Challenge appraisal was positively related to task satisfaction, and hindrance appraisal was negatively related to task satisfaction. AI literacy did not emerge as a significant moderator of the hypothesized relationships. Supplemental analyses provided additional insights into how AI is affecting employees' pride and feelings of accomplishment regarding work tasks. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.