AI in companies: Shaping cultural change in a human-centered way

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is changing processes, task allocations and organizational structures in companies. AI is fundamentally changing the interaction between people and technology and is therefore also having a lasting impact on corporate culture. The changes are particularly evident in the culture of innovation, internal communication and cooperation. A current impulse paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme shows the company levels at which AI is driving cultural change in the company and which changes are necessary to make the use of AI human-centered. Use cases illustrate how employees' reservations regarding the introduction of AI can be successfully overcome and how they can be actively involved in processes.

The introduction of AI systems in companies is often accompanied by distorted perceptions and emotional reactions. Reservations and uncertainties on the part of employees and managers are based on the fear that control over central tasks will be delegated to machines and that humans will lose importance in their role. At the same time, there are high expectations of AI as an actor and driver of technological transformation. In this area of tension, companies must shape the AI transformation process: on the one hand profitably for employees and their work and on the other hand for the company itself.

In order for humans and AI to work well together, it is important that the AI technology used is connected to the employees' existing processes and knowledge. At the same time, employees must learn to adapt to AI systems by developing skills in order to be able to use the technology efficiently and effectively for their own work and the company. Companies that consciously take into account the influences and changes brought about by AI not only promote technological innovation, but also create space for cultural change.

Creating space for cultural change

TIn order to exploit the potential of AI and counteract fears or undesirable developments, it is necessary to consciously shape this change in a human-centered way. This applies above all to the culture of innovation, but also to internal communication and cooperation within the company. When used correctly, AI systems can promote an agile innovation culture in which employees are involved at an early stage, while at the same time creating a competitive advantage for the company.

’AI is developing more and more from being used as a tool to interacting with a dialog partner,’ says Dr. Rahild Neuburger, LMU Munich School of Management and member of the Learning Systems Platform.  ’This is a new form of technological support with immense potential for employees and companies. The prerequisite is a culture of openness that promotes creativity, collaboration and communication as well as continuous skills development.’  

According to the authors of the impulse paper, success factors for such a corporate culture are openness, participation, targeted skills development and the promotion of direct personal interaction. The change requires agile structures, new role profiles and the early involvement of employees and managers in particular in order to make AI tangible as a supporting technology and establish a trust-based corporate culture that promotes innovation.

About the impuls paper

The impulse paper "AI in companies: Perspectives on cultural change“ was written by members of the ”Future of Work and Human-Machine Interaction" working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme. It is available to download free of charge.

An interview with Andrea Stich, co-author of the impulse paper and member of Plattform Lernende Systeme, is available for editorial use.