A groundbreaking study led by Tulane University researchers has found that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT can significantly enhance employee creativity—but only when users possess strong metacognitive and strategic thinking skills.
Published in the Journal of Applied Psychology , this research represents one of the first field experiments to examine how large language models (LLMs) influence creativity in real-world professional environments. The findings offer critical insights for organizations investing in AI technologies to foster innovation and productivity.
The study was conducted in collaboration with a global technology consulting firm. Researchers randomly assigned 250 employees to either use ChatGPT or not during their regular workweek. Their creative outputs were then assessed by both supervisors and independent evaluators.
Results showed that employees who had access to generative AI produced more novel and practical ideas compared to those who did not use the tool. However, the degree of improvement varied significantly based on individual differences in cognitive processing.
“Generative AI does not inherently make people more creative,” said lead author Dr. Shuhua Sun, associate professor and Peter W. and Paul A. Callais Professorship in Entrepreneurship at Tulane University’s A. B. Freeman School of Business. “Its positive impact is most pronounced among individuals who actively engage in metacognitive strategies—those who plan, monitor, reflect on, and adjust their problem-solving approaches.”
Dr. Sun emphasized that simply introducing AI tools into the workplace is insufficient to drive meaningful improvements in creativity. Organizations must also invest in training employees to develop the higher-order thinking skills necessary to use these tools effectively.
“To fully realize the creative potential of AI, companies need to move beyond deployment and focus on cultivating employees’ ability to assess challenges, refine strategies, and strategically leverage AI-generated content,” Sun added.
The research team noted that these metacognitive skills can be developed through targeted training programs. Interventions designed to improve planning, self-monitoring, and adaptability can significantly enhance workers’ ability to collaborate creatively with AI systems.
Beyond corporate settings, the implications of the study extend to education and workforce development. The authors recommend that educators and policymakers prioritize metacognitive skill-building in curricula and professional development programs. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday work processes, equipping future workers with the capacity to think critically and strategically will be essential.
“This study underscores the importance of preparing individuals not just to use AI, but to think alongside it,” said Sun. “If we want people to thrive in an AI-driven economy, we must treat metacognition as a core competency in both education and lifelong learning.
The study was co-authored by researchers from Renmin University of China, Nanyang Technological University, Rice University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
