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SCIENCE ARTICLE
Artificial intelligence applications and human resource
management practices: the mediating role of digital
transformation - evidence from Saudi Maaden company
1
Human Resources, College of Business Administration - Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia
Submission date: 2026-01-01
Final revision date: 2026-01-29
Acceptance date: 2026-02-09
Online publication date: 2026-06-18
Publication date: 2026-06-17
Corresponding author
Mohamed Ali Saad
Human Resources, College of Business Administration - Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia, Arar, Saudi Arabia, 91431, Arar, Arar, Saudi Arabia
Human Resources, College of Business Administration - Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia, Arar, Saudi Arabia, 91431, Arar, Arar, Saudi Arabia
Management 2026;(1):617-638
KEYWORDS
artificial intelligencehuman resource management practicesdigitaltransformationmediating roleSaudi Maaden company
JEL CLASSIFICATION CODES
M12. M15. O33
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Research background and purpose:
This study aims to identify the direct impact of artificial intelligence applications on human resource management practices and analyze the role of digital transformation as a mediating variable in this relationship, specifically focusing on the Saudi Maaden Company, the study contributes to the scientific understanding of how artificial intelligence applications can be integrated into core HR processes to achieve greater efficiency, improve decision-making accuracy, and provide innovative solutions to complex challenges in the modern work environment. Its scientific novelty lies in offering a deep understanding of the mediating role of digital transformation between artificial intelligence applications and human resource management practices, thus contributing to the development of both theoretical and practical knowledge in this field.
Design/methodology/approach:
The researcher relied on the descriptive analytical strategy in this study by collecting theoretical material and producing a questionnaire consisting of 43 statements, which was delivered to 160 employees in Saudi Maaden Company. The questionnaires valid for analysis were 127 with a response rate of 79%. The data were examined using the structural equation modelling method (PLS-SEM).
Findings:
The study concluded that the success of artificial intelligence implementation is closely linked to the effectiveness of digital transformation processes within an organization. The findings indicated a direct positive impact of artificial intelligence applications on both human resource management practices and digital transformation, and a positive impact of digital transformation on human resource management practices. Additionally, there was an indirect positive impact of artificial intelligence applications on human resource management practices through digital transformation as an intermediary variable, and this mediation is complete.
Value added and limitations:
This study contributes to deepening the scientific understanding of the impact of artificial intelligence applications and digital transformation on human resource management practices by highlighting their practical dimensions and their role in supporting organizational performance efficiency, through application to Saudi Maaden Company as one of the industrial institutions operating in the mining sector. The results can also be generalized, opening avenues for future research by applying the study to various vital sectors, as well as incorporating additional managerial variables and concepts.
This study aims to identify the direct impact of artificial intelligence applications on human resource management practices and analyze the role of digital transformation as a mediating variable in this relationship, specifically focusing on the Saudi Maaden Company, the study contributes to the scientific understanding of how artificial intelligence applications can be integrated into core HR processes to achieve greater efficiency, improve decision-making accuracy, and provide innovative solutions to complex challenges in the modern work environment. Its scientific novelty lies in offering a deep understanding of the mediating role of digital transformation between artificial intelligence applications and human resource management practices, thus contributing to the development of both theoretical and practical knowledge in this field.
Design/methodology/approach:
The researcher relied on the descriptive analytical strategy in this study by collecting theoretical material and producing a questionnaire consisting of 43 statements, which was delivered to 160 employees in Saudi Maaden Company. The questionnaires valid for analysis were 127 with a response rate of 79%. The data were examined using the structural equation modelling method (PLS-SEM).
Findings:
The study concluded that the success of artificial intelligence implementation is closely linked to the effectiveness of digital transformation processes within an organization. The findings indicated a direct positive impact of artificial intelligence applications on both human resource management practices and digital transformation, and a positive impact of digital transformation on human resource management practices. Additionally, there was an indirect positive impact of artificial intelligence applications on human resource management practices through digital transformation as an intermediary variable, and this mediation is complete.
Value added and limitations:
This study contributes to deepening the scientific understanding of the impact of artificial intelligence applications and digital transformation on human resource management practices by highlighting their practical dimensions and their role in supporting organizational performance efficiency, through application to Saudi Maaden Company as one of the industrial institutions operating in the mining sector. The results can also be generalized, opening avenues for future research by applying the study to various vital sectors, as well as incorporating additional managerial variables and concepts.
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