Despite the growing promise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize workplace productivity, many workers remain hesitant to adopt this technology. Why do individuals decide not to use a tool that could greatly enhance their performance? This study addresses this question by examining the overlooked role of emotional preferences in decision-making, providing a novel perspective for scholars and leaders interested in adopting generative AI. By integrating the Emotion Imbued Choice Model with Pekrun et al.’s taxonomy of achievement emotions, this research explores how preferences for emotional outcomes, such as pride, anxiety, or relief, influence the likelihood of using generative AI. Using a sample of 88 U.S.-based participants and a behavioral vignette design, the findings reveal that task enjoyment moderates the relationship between emotional preferences and AI adoption. Specifically, individuals are less likely to use generative AI for tasks they enjoy when they prefer to avoid negative outcome emotions, such as anxiety or hopelessness. Conversely, a preference for positive retrospective emotions, such as pride or relief, increases AI adoption in less enjoyable tasks. These results suggest that emotional preferences in combination with task-specific contexts shape the perceived utility of generative AI and ultimately the decision to use it or not at work. The study contributes to emotional decision-making theories by introducing emotional preferences as a key factor in technology adoption. Practical implications highlight the need for organizations to address emotional barriers, such as creative displacement anxiety, and to design interventions that align with workers’ emotional and task-related preferences. The findings offer actionable insights for organizations aiming to integrate generative AI effectively while enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity. Future research directions include exploring team-based dynamics, longitudinal emotional shifts, and cross-cultural variations in emotional preferences toward AI adoption.
