Purpose This article aims to investigate the influence of generative AI (GAI) use on digital performance (DP) from its formation and boundary mechanisms, as well as to further reveal specific solutions that achieve a high level of DP. Design/methodology/approach Using social support (SS) theory, this article proposes a research model and then adopts a hybrid method of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze 304 questionnaire data in China. Findings The results indicate that (1) GAI used for work and social positively influences SS, which in turn enhances DP. In particular, informational support exerts a greater effect on digital-enabled task performance. Emotional support exerts a greater effect on digital-enabled innovative performance. (2) Innovative culture (IC) strengthens the effect of GAI used for work on informational support and emotional support, as well as the effect of GAI used for social and emotional support. (3) Four solutions lead to a high level of digital-enabled task performance, and three solutions lead to a high level of digital-enabled innovative performance. Originality/value For academics, this article adopts a hybrid method to illustrate the relationship between GAI used for various purposes and different types of DP from the formation mechanism of SS and the boundary mechanism of IC, as well as to reveal the synergistic effect of GAI use, SS and IC on DP. For practices, this article provides managers with insights to increase DP regarding employee training and organizational culture building.
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