Examining the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employee Engagement and Performance in Tunisian ICT sector

Amina El Abed

This study investigates the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on employee engagement and, indirectly, on job performance within the information and communication technology (ICT) sector in Tunisia. It is based on a quantitative survey carried out among 85 full-time employees working in ICT-related companies, including IT service providers, communication agencies, and telecommunications operators. The collected data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4 software. The results indicate that AI has a significant and positive effect on employee engagement. In addition, employee engagement is found to positively impact employee performance and to act as a mediating variable in the relationship between AI and performance. This research contributes to the ongoing debate on the future of work and digital transformation in the ICT sector by exploring how AI adoption in Tunisian companies affects both engagement and performance. By addressing this issue, the study highlights emerging opportunities linked to evolving work practices, supports organizations in the ethical and effective integration of AI, and offers recommendations for promoting a work environment oriented toward change. Overall, this work enriches the existing literature on artificial intelligence and human resource management by emphasizing its role in shaping employee engagement and performance.