DETERMINANTS OF EMPLOYEES’ INTENTIONS TO ADOPT AI TOOLS: EVIDENCE FROM TECHNOLOGY FIRMS IN VIETNAM
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into organizational practices has intensified scholarly interest in employees’ readiness and behavioral intentions toward AI adoption, particularly in emerging economies such as Vietnam. While prior studies have largely emphasized technological and organizational determinants, relatively limited attention has been paid to individual-level and contextual factors shaping AI adoption within developing digital environments. This study examines the determinants of employees’ behavioral intentions to adopt AI tools in Vietnamese technology firms, drawing on an integrated framework that combines the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, with the inclusion of personality traits and social influence. A quantitative research design was employed, using survey data collected from 231 employees working in technology-related roles across Vietnam. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to test the proposed relationships among key constructs. The findings reveal that perceived ease of use plays a pivotal mediating role, significantly influenced by organizational support, environmental factors, and individual personality traits. Moreover, perceived usefulness and attitude toward using AI emerge as the strongest direct predictors of behavioral intention. Notably, and contrary to much of the existing literature, technological characteristics and social influence do not exhibit statistically significant effects on employees’ adoption intentions in this context. These findings contribute empirical evidence from an emerging market and suggest that internal organizational readiness and individual psychological factors may outweigh purely technological considerations in shaping AI adoption. From a practical perspective, the study highlights the importance of employee-centered training, supportive organizational cultures, and targeted change management strategies for enhancing AI adoption in Vietnamese technology firms.