Employees may be reluctant to disclose their use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, fearing potential negative perceptions or repercussions. However, openly sharing AI usage can also have its bright side. Drawing on signaling theory, this study challenges the seemingly prevalent notion that disclosing AI usage is inherently detrimental. We propose that disclosing AI usage can enhance employees’ creativity by fulfilling their self-presentation desire in learning. Moreover, this positive effect is shaped by the interplay of both individual (i.e., growth mindset) and situational (i.e., perceived organizational recognition for AI usage) factors. Evidence from an experimental study and a multi-wave, multi-source survey largely supports our hypotheses. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed.
