When AI enhances and substitutes human capabilities: A dynamic capabilities perspective on sustainable transformation in the tourism industry

Abstract

This study develops a Dynamic Capabilities framework to examine how Green HRM Practices (GHRM) influence Sustainable Employee Performance (SEP) through Green Agility (GA), Green Technology Adoption (GTA), and Sustainable Employee Model Innovation (SEMI) in Vietnam’s tourism industry. Using data from 695 tourism employees and PLS-SEM, the findings show that GHRM positively affects GA and SEP, while GA enhances both GTA and SEP. GTA further strengthens SEMI and SEP, and SEMI positively contributes to SEP. AI adoption significantly moderates the relationship between GTA and SEP, while its interactions with GA and SEMI are not supported. These findings highlight the differentiated role of AI in shaping the contribution of green technology adoption to sustainable employee performance. The study contributes to the sustainability and tourism literature by integrating human, technological, and organizational capabilities within a Dynamic Capabilities framework.