This series introduces D^3 Associates Program projects which aim to answer important questions at the intersection of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in business and society.
This article shares insights from Boris Groysberg, Richard P. Chapman Professor of Business Administration who is pursuing research on the topics of artificial intelligence and organizations.
1. What drew you to this area of research and how did you first become involved in this work?
It came through my field work.
2. What are some common misconceptions or barriers around the problem you’re working to solve?
There is a misconception that large AI initiatives can be implemented without thinking about the organizational and talent management impact and without consideration as to how the organizational structure might be adjusted to optimize these initiatives. While everyone is talking about AI, virtually no one is talking about the organizational side of implementing AI. Because of this, there is not a lot of information available. This dearth of information is a barrier.
3. What research is being done on this topic and how is your approach or perspective unique?
While much research has been done on the potential uses of artificial intelligence, the amount of investment in this area, and the types of skills required to effectively implement AI strategies, there has been little research on the organizational implications of AI. Our approach considers the following questions (among others): Where does AI leadership sit in the org chart? Are AI resources centralized or dispersed? How do these functions report upward? How does this vary based on the uses of AI, the scope of a company’s AI initiatives, and the company’s size and industry? Does the current org chart make sense in an AI environment?
4. What excites you most about this work and its potential impact?
The potential to provide practical advice to executives who are looking to implement AI strategies.
5. How do you hope working with D^3 will amplify the impact of your work?
The opportunity to connect with others working in the fast-moving AI field will likely provide invaluable information on how organizations are approaching AI, what are their primary organizational challenges, which approaches are working and which approaches are not.
6. What changes do you hope to see in your field as a result of the work being done in this area?
We hope to see a more thoughtful approach to organizational structure and talent management and how it should be adapted to an AI environment.
7. What’s an essential area in which AI and digital technologies will reshape the way businesses or society operate in the long run that we may not be considering?
AI and digital technologies may well upend the traditional corporate organizational structure that has been in place across large organizations for the past 50 + years.
The D^3 Associates Program supports and accelerates faculty research into the ways AI and digital technologies are reshaping companies, organizations, society, and practice.