In an era where generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly reshaping the business landscape, a groundbreaking study has uncovered a nuanced dimension of AI adoption—mindfulness—that could be the key to unlocking its full potential in project management. Conducted by researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Curtin University, this study delves into how human cognition and behavioral traits significantly influence the efficacy of GenAI integration within complex project workflows.
Generative AI, powered by sophisticated algorithms capable of producing original content, is poised to revolutionize the way information is synthesized and projects are executed globally. With investments expected to soar to approximately $151.1 billion by 2027, and the global project management market valuing nearly $48 trillion annually, the permeation of AI technologies in this domain is inevitable. Projections suggest that by 2030, up to 80% of project management tasks could be automated or augmented by AI. However, this advanced technology’s disruption potential necessitates a deeper understanding of the human factors pivotal to harnessing its capabilities effectively.
The study, led by Dr. Eden Li from ECU’s School of Business and Law, posits that the mere presence of GenAI does not guarantee transformative outcomes in project management. Instead, it emphasizes the decisive role of mindfulness—the active awareness and presence in decision-making—as a critical human attribute that influences how project managers engage with AI tools. This perspective shifts the focus from a purely technical lens to one integrating cognitive and psychological mastery in managing AI-enhanced environments.
Utilizing a two-wave, time-lagged design survey involving over 440 project managers worldwide, the research examines how mindfulness enables adaptive and innovative responses to the complexities introduced by GenAI. Project managers exhibiting higher mindfulness levels tend to demonstrate openness, attentiveness, and creativity, which in turn fosters a proactive approach to redesigning tasks and workflows, commonly referred to as job crafting. This behavioral modification facilitates optimized use of GenAI, enhancing both the frequency and effectiveness of its application in project settings.
The study underscores that success in leveraging GenAI is contingent more on the adaptive capacities of project managers than on the capabilities of the AI systems themselves. Mindful practitioners maintain flexibility and openness toward emergent AI functionalities, integrating them seamlessly without being overwhelmed by the disruptive potential. This cognitive flexibility proves especially valuable in complex projects, where ambiguity and rapid change require constant experimentation and recalibration.
Job crafting emerges as the crucial intermediary between mindfulness and effective AI adoption. By actively reshaping their roles and workflows, mindful project managers can tailor AI tools to specific project demands, thereby maximizing technological benefits. This proactive behavioral strategy counters the risks of misalignment between AI capabilities and project needs that often result from hype-driven adoption without structural adjustments.
Moreover, the research highlights that the benefits of mindful engagement with GenAI are magnified in environments characterized by high complexity. Complex projects often involve dynamic variables, interdependencies, and uncertainties that challenge traditional management paradigms. In such scenarios, mindfulness enables project leaders to navigate intricacies and leverage AI-generated insights creatively, supporting more informed decision-making and enhancing project outcomes.
This study’s insights arrive at a critical juncture when organizations worldwide grapple with the dual challenges of embracing advanced AI technologies while ensuring sustainable, human-centric work environments. The researchers advocate for deliberate development of mindfulness practices and job crafting skills as integral components of AI adoption frameworks. Such interventions can facilitate smoother transitions and harness the full transformative power of GenAI in project management.
The implications of this research extend beyond the project management sphere, offering vital lessons for leadership and organizational design in the AI era. As GenAI technologies proliferate, fostering cognitive awareness and adaptive work redesign can become a universal strategy to mitigate disruption and drive innovation across industries.
Published in the prestigious International Journal of Project Management, this seminal work advances the discourse on the interplay between technology and human factors. The authors, Dr. Eden Li and Associate Professor Laurie Hughes, emphasize that the future trajectory of project management hinges not merely on technological advancements but fundamentally on uplifting human consciousness and behavioral adaptability.
As AI continues to evolve at a staggering pace, this research serves as a timely reminder that technologies are enablers, not panaceas. Project managers who cultivate mindfulness are better positioned to transform AI from a disruptive force into a strategic ally, fostering innovation and resilience in the face of unprecedented change.
This pioneering research sets the stage for subsequent studies exploring the cognitive and organizational frameworks necessary for next-generation AI integration. It beckons business leaders and technology strategists to rethink their approach—prioritizing human-centric methodologies alongside technological innovation to realize the full promise of generative AI.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Leveraging generative AI for project management: The role of mindfulness and job crafting
News Publication Date: 4 February 2026
Web References: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0263786326000037
References: Li, E., & Hughes, L. (2026). Leveraging generative AI for project management: The role of mindfulness and job crafting. International Journal of Project Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2026.102816
Keywords: Generative AI, Project Management, Mindfulness, Job Crafting, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Cognitive Flexibility
