This study examines how AI-supporting organizational culture and leadership enable AI usage and improve institutional performance in higher education.

The objective is to explain how employee engagement activates the strategic value of AI. The study used survey data from 564 higher education staff in the United Arab Emirates and partial least squares structural equation modelling.

The findings show that supportive culture and leadership increase AI usage, while AI usage strengthens employee engagement. Employee engagement then translates AI usage into improved institutional adaptability, efficiency, innovation, and performance.

Status: Ongoing
Research design: Quantitative cross-sectional study
Geographic focus: United Arab Emirates
Key areas: Artificial intelligence, organizational culture, leadership, employee engagement, institutional performance, and higher education