FROM ETHICAL AI TO INCLUSIVE GROWTH: EXPLORING WORKFORCE DIGITAL LITERACY, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND PRO-SUSTAINABILITY ATTITUDES

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital technologies are rapidly integrating into the workplace in all parts of the world, but they present both prospects of innovation and a challenge to sustainability, equity, and employee well-being. This paper examines the relationship between sustainable employment practices, pro-sustainability work attitudes, social responsibility orientation, workforce digital literacy, the integration of ethical AI, and future-of-work anxiety, and inclusive economic sustainability performance (IESP) in rising economies. Based on Social Exchange Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Technology Acceptance Model, a cross-sectional survey of workers in technology-intensive sectors was performed, and the results were evaluated with the help of structural equation modelling (Smart PLS). The findings indicate that the most meaningful predictor of IESP is the integration of ethical AI, and the sustainable employment practices and future-of-work anxiety have significant positive impacts as well. To their surprise, pro-sustainability work attitudes have a crucial negative impact and emphasize the paradox in the sustainability perceptions of employees. The orientation toward social responsibility and the digital literacy of the workforce demonstrate minimal direct impact and the mediation linkage was statistically non-significant. Comprehensively, the paper highlights the primary importance of ethical adoption of AI in the attainment of inclusive and sustainable growth and the necessity to respond to employee fears and enhance the sustainability-driven attitudes among organizations. The results provide both theoretical and practical implications to leaders who want to embrace innovation and be fair, inclusive, and resilient in the long term.

Keywords: Ethical AI Integration, Future of Work Anxiety, Sustainability Employment Practice, Workforce Digital Literacy, Social Responsibility Orientation, Pro-Sustainability Attitudes, Inclusive Economic Sustainability Performance