Employee Readiness for AI Adoption in Riyadh’s Healthcare Sector: Perceptions and Organizational Support

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely recognized as a significant driver of digital transformation across several domains, with the healthcare sector identified as one of the most influenced sectors. This research assesses employee readiness for AI among healthcare professionals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with particular attention paid to perceptions (perceived usefulness and ease of use) and organizational support, including training and management support.

This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational design. A survey was administered to evaluate employee readiness levels and potential predictors of AI readiness. A total of 120 employees participated with overall readiness (M = 4.20, Var=0.64). The regression explained 39.4% of the variance in readiness, with perceived usefulness (B = 0.44, p < 0.001) and training (B = 0.40, p < 0.001) contributing positively to readiness, while management support contributed negatively (B = -0.17, p = 0.011), and ease of use was not significant (B = 0.05, p = 0.574). Independent t-tests and ANOVA confirmed no significant differences in readiness by gender (p = 0.40), job type (p = 0.44), or years of experience (p = 0.56).

The results showed that perceived usefulness and training were the strongest predictors of employee readiness for AI. While ease of use was not significant, organizational support had a negative effect. This study contributes to the literature on AI readiness in Saudi healthcare, highlighting perceived usefulness and training as key drivers for AI adoption, while questioning assumptions about the management support role in AI adoption. Healthcare leaders and policymakers should prioritize training, communicate the practical benefits of AI, and ensure that managerial commitment is supported by resources.