From tool to teammate: a conjoined agency perspective on cross-cultural acceptability of AI as a co-worker

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognised as a transformative force driving technological advancements, particularly within organisations and the workforce. As AI tools continue to evolve, their role is shifting from mere instruments to collaborative co-workers that complement human efforts. This paper presents a comprehensive research agenda focused on understanding the acceptability of AI as a dynamic co-worker rather than just a tool. The objective is to explore how AI enhances productivity, decision-making, and overall workplace efficiency through human–technology collaboration. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Conjoined Agency Perspective, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 858 professionals across 80 countries. The study reveals that AI acceptance is influenced less by demographic factors such as gender or culture and more by factors such as familiarity, understanding, and confidence. The findings also suggest that AI’s role as a co-worker spans a spectrum of human–technology interactions, from assistive to more autonomous collaborations. Interestingly, acceptance of AI is not significantly affected by fears of automation or replacement concerns. This study offers one of the earliestcultural analyses of AI as a co-worker, positioning its integration as both a social and organizational process. The results provide practical guidance for policymakers and international organizations, emphasizing the importance of AI assistive, confidence-building, and addressing workforce concerns to promote inclusive and culturally sensitive human–AI collaboration.