The Double-Edged Sword of Emotional AI: A Conceptual Model for Managing Workplace Stress and Knowledge Hiding

Authors

• Harmandeep Kaur

  Scientific Societal & Behavioral Research Center (SSBRC), Canada

  harman@ssbrc.com

  ORCID: 0009-0004-3876-2104

• DOI https://doi.org/10.63329/av3nz12317

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the workplace is evolving from cognitive tasks to the affective domain with Emotional AI (EAI). The EAI systems are designed to recognize, interpret, and simulate human emotions. This conceptual paper investigates the dual potential of EAI as both a mitigator and an exacerbator of two critical organizational challenges: occupational stress and knowledge hiding. Through a systematic synthesis of literature from organizational behavior, computer science, and business ethics, this study develops a comprehensive conceptual model. It is proposed that the impact of EAI is not direct but is mediated by perceived algorithmic fairness and emotional privacy concerns and is moderated by ethical leadership and organizational transparency. The model illustrates how EAI, when implemented within a robust ethical infrastructure, can break the vicious cycle between stress and knowledge hiding. Conversely, it is argued that EAI as a tool for surveillance will intensify these issues. Propositions for future empirical research and practical implications for organizations and policymakers are offered, emphasizing a human-centric approach to technological adoption.

Keywords: Emotional AI, affective computing, occupational stress, knowledge hiding, ethical leadership, algorithmic fairness

Copyright & License
© 2025 The Author.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.