Human-Centred AI Workforce Transformation: An Integtrated Framework, Theory, and Methodology for Strategic Human Resource Managemen

Authors

Petra Cajnko
University of Maribor, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2117-6377
Polona Šprajc
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18690/um.fov.8.2026

Keywords:

artificial intelligence, AI workforce readiness, strategic human resource management, organisational readiness, employee AI competence, psychological acceptance, institutional governance, human-centred AI transformation

Synopsis

Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming work, leadership, and workforce development, yet technological readiness alone does not ensure successful organisational transformation. This scientific monograph examines organisational and workforce readiness for AI implementation from the perspective of Strategic Human Resource Management. Drawing on an interdisciplinary theoretical review and two empirical studies, it develops the Integrated AI Workforce Readiness Framework (IAWRF), the Dual-Logic AI Workforce Readiness Theory (DLAWR), and the Integrated AI Workforce Readiness Composite Framework (IAWRC). The monograph identifies four interdependent dimensions of AI workforce readiness: Employee AI Competence, Organisational Readiness, Psychological Acceptance, and Institutional Governance. It advances the paradigm of Human-Centred AI Transformation and argues that sustainable AI implementation requires continuous alignment between technological development, organisational preparedness, workforce capability, employee trust, and responsible governance.

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Author Biographies

Petra Cajnko, University of Maribor, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Petra Cajnko holds a PhD in Economics and Business Sciences and is an Assistant Professor in Human Resource Management, as well as a researcher and university lecturer at the University of Maribor. Her research focuses on strategic human resource management, artificial intelligence, organisational development, competence development, digital transformation, and employee well-being. She combines research and teaching with leadership roles and participation in national and international projects, with a strong emphasis on transferring scientific knowledge into organisational practice. She is also active in scientific publishing and academic networking. Her work particularly focuses on human-centred AI implementation and the development of organisations and employees in the context of technological change.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: petra.cajnko@um.si

Polona Šprajc, University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences

Polona Šprajc is a Full Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Organizational Sciences at the University of Maribor. Her research and professional work focuses on organization and management, leadership, crisis management, crisis communication, intercultural business environments, and business ethics. She supervises students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels and is the author of numerous scientific and professional publications. She is actively involved in national and international projects, scientific conference programme committees, and cooperation between academia and industry. Her work particularly focuses on organisational development, management, and organisational responses to complex societal and technological changes.

Kranj, Slovenia. E-mail: polona.sprajc@um.si

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Published

September 16, 2026

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Details about this monograph

THEMA Subject Codes (93)

KJMV2; UYQ; KJU

ISBN-13 (15)

978-961-299-201-9

COBISS.SI ID (00)

291225091

CIP date (35)

2026-09-16

Date of first publication in original language (20)

2026-09-16

How to Cite

Cajnko, P. (2026). Human-Centred AI Workforce Transformation: An Integtrated Framework, Theory, and Methodology for Strategic Human Resource Managemen. University of Maribor Press. https://doi.org/10.18690/um.fov.8.2026