Despite growing interest in generative artificial intelligence for creative work, the mechanisms driving individuals’ psychological readiness and intention to adopt these tools remain understudied. This paper examines how self-leadership – a proactive process of self-influence – enhances generative artificial intelligence acceptance, individual confidence, and creative process engagement. Using a sample of 258 full-time employees, we tested a serial mediation model linking self-leadership to creative process engagement via artificial intelligence acceptance and creative self-efficacy. The results reveal a significant positive direct relationship between self-leadership and creative process engagement, alongside a significant indirect effect through both mediators. This study contributes to the literature by uncovering the psychological mechanisms and strategies necessary to foster technological readiness and intention within creative contexts.
