The Impact of Artificial Intelligence Adoption Intensity on Corporate Sustainability Performance: The Moderated Mediation Effect of Organizational Change

Abstract

With the rapid development of the economy and society, enterprises are increasingly prioritizing environmental and social sustainability alongside economic benefits. As a critical driver of technological innovation, the effective application of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance corporate sustainability performance has garnered considerable attention from both academia and industry. This study explores the impact of AI adoption intensity on corporate sustainability performance, with a particular focus on the mediating role of organizational change and its moderated mediation effect. Employing an empirical analysis approach, this study collected 451 employee survey responses from manufacturing enterprises. The results indicate that AI adoption intensity substantially enhances corporate sustainability performance, reflected in comprehensive improvements in economic, environmental, and social benefits. Furthermore, organizational change serves as a crucial mediator between AI adoption and sustainability performance, with this mediation effect moderated by internal and external environmental factors. The study finds that enterprises with high digital capabilities and innovative cultures are more effective in leveraging AI to enhance sustainability performance. This suggests that in promoting AI applications, enterprises should not only focus on technology adoption but also emphasize internal organizational change and the development of digital capabilities to fully achieve sustainability goals. Through empirical analysis, this study provides an in-depth understanding of the application paths and mechanisms of AI in corporate sustainability, offering a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for corporate managers in strategy and policymaking.