Impact of artificial intelligence adoption on employee performance in small and medium-sized enterprises in Can Tho City
Published: August 3, 2026
doi:10.62831/nckh.2026.375.v1
Abstract
This study identifies the factors influencing employee performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Can Tho City and examines the mediating role of attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI). Grounded in technology acceptance theory and resource-based theory, the study collected data from 210 employees using a non-probability sampling approach and analyzed the data through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that AI application, technology adoption readiness, and organizational support exert both direct and indirect positive effects on employee performance through attitudes toward AI, whereas digital competence has only a direct effect. The study highlights the critical role of positive attitudes toward AI in enhancing the effectiveness of technology adoption in SMEs and offers managerial implications for improving labor productivity through AI implementation.
Keywords
artificial intelligencejob performanceSMEspositive attitudes toward AI
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