Examining the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Organisational Performance: The Mediating Role of Data Capabilities and Digital Skills Among Banking Institutions in Sierra Leone

 Author (s)

David Kamara, Alfred Mansaray, Emmanuel Josiah, Stephen Karando Mansaray, Mohamed Vandy, & Steven Gbongbor Mansaray

Abstract

This study examines the impact of adopting artificial intelligence on organisational performance among banking institutions in Sierra Leone, with attention to the mediating roles of data capabilities and digital skills. Grounded in the Resource-Based View, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and the Technology-Organisation-Environment Framework, a quantitative design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 216 respondents across 14 commercial banks. Structural equation modelling results indicate that AI adoption has a positive direct effect on organisational performance (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), as well as positive effects on data capabilities (β = 0.58, p < 0.001) and digital skills (β = 0.52, p < 0.001). Data capabilities (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and digital skills (β = 0.35, p < 0.001) positively affect performance. Mediation analysis reveals that data capabilities (indirect effect = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.34) and digital skills (indirect effect = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.27) partially mediate the relationship between AI performance and AI-performance. The model explains 52% of the variance in performance. The study provides empirical evidence from an under-researched context and emphasises the development of complementary capabilities to maximise AI investments.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence Adoption, Organisational Performance, Data Capabilities, Digital Skills, Banking Institutions, Sierra Leone.

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Cite This Article:

Kamara, D., Mansaray, A., Josiah, E., Mansaray, S. K., Vandy, M., & Mansaray, S. G.(2026). Examining the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Organisational Performance: The Mediating Role of Data Capabilities and Digital Skills Among Banking Institutions in Sierra Leone, International Journal of Science and Business, 52(1), 63-84. https://doi.org/10.58970/IJSB.2689

About Author (s)

David Kamara (Corresponding Author), School of Public Administration (SPA), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu 611731, China; University of management and technology (UNINTECH), Sierra Leone. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7510-8811

Alfred Mansaray, School of Computer Science and Engineering (SCSE), University of Electronics Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu 611731, China; Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Sierra Leone.

Emmanuel Josiah, School of Public Administration (SPA), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu 611731, China; Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), Sierra Leone. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0033-4390

Stephen Karando Mansaray, University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Sierra Leone; Njala University, Sierra Leone.

Mohamed Vandy, School of Public Administration (SPA), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu 611731, China; University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Sierra Leone. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8062-2382

Steven Gbongbor Mansaray, School of Public Administration (SPA), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu 611731, China.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/IJSB.2689

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