JOURNAL ARTICLE

Why Gen AI Feels So Threatening to Workers.

  • Published In: Harvard Business Review, 2026, v. 104, n. 2. P. 54 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Hermann, Erik; Puntoni, Stefano; Morewedge, Carey K. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the psychological challenges employees face as generative AI (gen AI) increasingly performs cognitive, creative, and interpersonal tasks at work, often threatening their feelings of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. It introduces the AWARE framework—a leadership approach that involves acknowledging employee concerns, watching for maladaptive behaviors, aligning support systems with psychological needs, redesigning workflows to foster human-AI collaboration, and empowering workers through transparency and participation. Research and industry examples illustrate how unmet psychological needs can lead to resistance, disengagement, or covert opposition to gen AI, while addressing these needs promotes acceptance and motivation. The framework aims to help organizations integrate gen AI in ways that enhance rather than undermine employee well-being and engagement.

Additional Information

  • Source:Harvard Business Review. 2026/03, Vol. 104, Issue 2, p54
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Computer Science
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0017-8012
  • Accession Number:191435160
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