AI, PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY, AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF MODERN LEADERSHIP

Abstract

This study explores how artificial intelligence (AI) impacts organizational leadership and workplace psychological safety across diverse industries. Using mixed methodology combining 36 cross-industry questionnaires and 3 semi-structured executive interviews in sales, product development and human resources fields, the research examines the impacts on traditional organization and identifies leadership competencies irreplaceable by AI. The study demonstrates that digital and AI tools reduce employees’ reliance on hierarchical leadership while psychological safety significantly drives team innovation and performance. Moreover, diverse leadership models have corresponding impacts on psychological safety at an individual level. According to the study, core irreplaceable traits include empathy, accountability for high-stakes decisions, and interpersonal emotional-value provision. This research offers practical suggestions for managers or leaders adapting leadership practices to the AI era and supplements existing organizational behavior research. The article supplements current leadership models that discuss contingency theory and provides evidence and reference for enterprises that are transforming from traditional leadership models to developing innovative competency models.