Human–AI Collaboration in Pakistani Tech Firms: Productivity, Job Roles, and Organizational Adaptation

Abstract

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Pakistani technology sector has led to growing concerns and opportunities regarding workforce transformation, productivity, and organizational capability. However, empirical research remains sparse on how human–AI collaboration is shaping decision-making structures, employee roles, and organizational adaptation in emerging markets. This study investigates how AI adoption influences productivity and job restructuring within tech firms in Islamabad and examines whether digital maturity moderates these relationships. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 360 decision-makers (team leads, managers, and departmental heads) in software development, FinTech, telecom technology, and IT services companies. Structural equation modeling was used to assess relationships between AI collaboration practices, perceived productivity improvements, job role shifts, and organizational adaptation readiness. Results indicate that AI-enabled collaboration significantly improves perceived productivity (β = .61, p < .001) and drives job redesign, including task automation and augmentation (β = .54, p < .001). Digital maturity positively moderates both effects, suggesting that technologically advanced firms benefit more from AI deployment. Despite concerns over skill displacement, respondents emphasized that strategic adoption coupled with capability development leads to greater agility and innovation. The study contributes to an underdeveloped empirical domain in the Global South and provides actionable insights for policymakers and firms regarding workforce upskilling, capability development, and AI integration strategies.