Investigating the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Organizational Performance: The Mediating Role of Organizational Creativity in Academic Libraries

Andayesh, Seifallah

doi:10.22055/slis.2025.49598.1990

Investigating the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Organizational Performance: The Mediating Role of Organizational Creativity in Academic Libraries

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Seifallah Andayesh

knowledge and information science, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22055/slis.2025.49598.1990

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In the era of digital transformation, AI stands out as one of the most advanced technologies, playing a crucial role in enhancing productivity, innovation, and service quality within organizations. Despite growing investments in this domain, many organizations—particularly public and knowledge-based institutions—still face challenges in effectively leveraging AI technologies. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between artificial intelligence and organizational performance, with a focus on the mediating role of organizational creativity in the libraries of the University of Tehran.
Methodology: This research is descriptive and survey-based in nature, and applied in terms of purpose. The statistical population consists of the staff of the University of Tehran libraries, all of whom were included in the study through a census method, totaling 158 individuals. The data collection tool for assessing artificial intelligence was the questionnaire developed by Chen et al. (2022), which includes 22 items and was chosen for its coherence, brevity, and comprehensive coverage of various dimensions of AI. Organizational performance was measured using the questionnaire by Khalik (2020) with 10 items, and organizational creativity was assessed using the questionnaire by Durrabji et al. (1988) with 10 items. The reliability of the instruments was confirmed through Cronbach's alpha, and validity was established using convergent and discriminant validity. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics (such as frequency distribution) and inferential statistics through structural equation modeling with Smart PLS software.
Findings: The results indicated that AI had a significant impact on both organizational creativity (β = 0.758) and performance (β = 0.704). Furthermore, organizational creativity also showed a significant impact on performance (β = 0.691). The mediating effect, assessed using the VAF index, revealed that creativity fully mediates the relationship between AI and organizational performance. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of developing AI capabilities to enhance both creativity and organizational performance in academic libraries.
Discussion: The results revealed that AI technologies not only have a direct effect on improving organizational performance but also indirectly contribute by fostering employee creativity, thus enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and agility. These findings align with previous research, which suggests that AI facilitates innovation through optimized decision-making, task automation, and uncovering hidden patterns in data. Organizational creativity was also found to have a strong positive relationship with performance, indicating that creative organizations are better equipped to utilize emerging technologies effectively. Additionally, AI creates new cognitive spaces, strengthens analytical capabilities, and reduces repetitive workloads, thereby motivating and enabling employees to engage in creative endeavors. These findings support perspectives that advocate for the integration of technological capabilities with human potential to improve performance. Based on these results, it is recommended that organizations—particularly academic libraries—adopt AI technologies within a strategic and goal-oriented framework, emphasizing their synergy with organizational creativity. Key actions in this regard include investing in technological infrastructure, empowering human resources through interdisciplinary training, and fostering a culture of innovation. Moreover, utilizing AI for performance monitoring, organizational data analysis, and the design of innovative projects can guide organizations through digital transformation and help them achieve sustainable competitive advantages.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence

Organizational Performance

Organizational Creativity

University of Tehran

Subjects

University Libraries

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