Imagine a world where artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just a futuristic concept but a reality that defines our workplaces. In Bangladesh, this transformation is already underway. From banks deploying AI-driven fraud detection to telecom companies using AI for predictive maintenance, professionals across industries are encountering AI in their daily operations. But here’s the catch many remain hesitant to fully embrace AI, not because of its technical capabilities, but due to their perceptions, attitudes, and trust in the technology.

Our recent study, published in Telematics and Informatics Reports, investigates this crucial aspect. It explores how attitudes toward AI mediate its adoption among Bangladeshi professionals. The findings shed light on why some professionals eagerly integrate AI into their workflows while others remain skeptical.

Bangladesh’s business landscape is undergoing a technological shift, with AI gradually becoming a part of various industries. From e-commerce platforms using AI-driven recommendations to customer service automation in telecom and banking, the presence of artificial intelligence is growing. Large corporations and tech startups alike are beginning to explore AI-powered analytics, automation, and chatbot solutions to streamline operations.

However, despite this increasing adoption in select industries, the overall rate of AI usage among professionals remains inconsistent. The question is—what’s holding back AI adoption on a larger scale?

The challenge isn’t just about technological infrastructure or access to AI-powered tools. It’s about mindset and perception.

Fear of Job Displacement: Many professionals, particularly in banking, manufacturing, and administrative roles, fear that AI will replace their jobs rather than enhance their skills. While automation can eliminate repetitive tasks, many remain concerned about their long-term job security.

Lack of AI Training: Despite growing interest in AI, most employees lack structured training programs to understand its practical benefits. Without proper guidance, AI remains an abstract and intimidating concept for many professionals.

Skepticism Toward AI Decision-Making: AI-driven tools often make data-backed recommendations, but trust is a key barrier. If professionals are unsure about how AI makes decisions, they will hesitate to rely on it for critical business processes.

Our study found that attitude plays a crucial mediating role in AI adoption. Even when AI is perceived as useful, a negative mindset can significantly hinder its acceptance. Conversely, professionals who develop a positive outlook toward AI are more likely to embrace it in their work, even if they initially find it complex.

The findings from our study, based on data collected from 330 professionals across various industries in Bangladesh, reveal several key insights about the adoption behavior of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace. These results suggest that while performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions are all important factors, the attitude of professionals toward AI plays a central role in determining its adoption and use.

Performance Expectancy Matters, But It’s Not Enough

Professionals in the study acknowledged that AI has the potential to enhance efficiency and productivity in the workplace. This perception of AI’s usefulness is crucial, as it forms the foundation for adoption. However, simply recognizing the potential benefits of AI does not automatically lead to its adoption. Attitude serves as a bridge between the perceived usefulness of AI and its actual implementation in the workplace. Without a positive attitude toward AI, even professionals who understand its potential may hesitate to incorporate it into their daily work routines.

Effort Expectancy Plays a Role, But Attitude is a Stronger Predictor

While professionals agreed that AI systems perceived as user-friendly are more likely to be adopted, it was the attitude toward AI that emerged as the stronger predictor of adoption. AI systems that are initially seen as complex or difficult to use may face resistance; however, professionals with a positive attitude toward AI are more willing to invest the time and effort required to overcome these barriers. This highlights the importance of fostering a favorable attitude toward AI to encourage professionals to persevere in learning to use the technology, even if it presents initial challenges.

Social Influence Shapes AI Adoption

In the context of Bangladesh’s collectivist culture, social influence plays a significant role in shaping professionals’ decisions to adopt AI. When influential colleagues, managers, or industry leaders endorse the use of AI, professionals are more inclined to follow suit. However, while social influence is important, our study also found that it is not sufficient on its own. Professionals’ attitudes toward AI mediate the effect of social influence, meaning that social pressure alone cannot drive adoption if individuals do not feel comfortable or confident in their ability to use AI effectively.

Facilitating Conditions Are Necessary, But Attitude Determines Use

Access to resources such as AI tools and training programs is an important factor in facilitating adoption. However, our research reveals that even when these resources are available, their effectiveness is limited if professionals maintain negative attitudes toward AI. In many cases, these tools and programs go underutilized if individuals do not have a positive outlook on AI. Thus, while facilitating conditions are necessary for AI adoption, it is ultimately the attitude of professionals that determines whether these resources will be leveraged effectively to integrate AI into the workplace.

If Bangladesh wants to accelerate AI adoption in workplaces, addressing attitudes should be a top priority. Here’s how:

AI Training Programs with a Human-Centric Approach

Organizations must shift the narrative from "AI will replace jobs" to "AI will augment human capabilities." AI literacy programs should highlight real-world success stories of professionals thriving with AI.

Building Trust Through Transparency

AI systems should be designed with explainability in mind. When professionals understand how AI reaches conclusions, they are more likely to trust and adopt it.

Leaders Must Champion AI Adoption

Senior executives and managers should lead by example. If leadership actively uses AI-powered tools, employees will be more inclined to follow.

Addressing Psychological Barriers

AI adoption isn’t just a technical shift it’s a cultural one. Organizations should invest in change management strategies that address fears, uncertainties, and resistance.

AI is here to stay, and its impact on Bangladesh’s economy will only grow. However, the key to successful AI adoption isn’t just developing sophisticated algorithms—it’s cultivating the right attitudes among professionals. By addressing psychological barriers, fostering AI literacy, and promoting a positive outlook, Bangladesh can harness the full potential of AI in the workplace.

If you’re interested in exploring this topic further, read our full research paper here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teler.2025.100188

Let’s continue this conversation how do you perceive AI adoption in your industry? Share your thoughts in the comments!