From dexterity to responsibility: A capability-identity framework for responsible Generative-AI use in organisations

As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) becomes embedded in everyday work, organizations increasingly face the challenge of ensuring that employees use these systems responsibly. This paper advances a capability–identity framework that explains responsible GenAI use as a function of individual capability, self-concept, and self-regulation. We conceptualize GenAI dexterity, comprising autonomous self-efficacy, assisted self-efficacy, and personal innovativeness, as the foundational capability that enables effective engagement with AI. Building on identity theory, we propose that GenAI identity, a self-perception that AI abilities are central to one’s professional self, translates capability into ethically guided action. Finally, job resourcefulness is introduced as a boundary condition that determines whether this identity results in responsible or entitled behaviour. The framework contributes to responsible AI research by locating ethical enactment at the intersection of what employees can do, who they become, and how they regulate their actions.