3 Questions for

Andrea Stich

Professor of Machine Learning and Communication at TU Berlin and Head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and the Explainable AI Group at the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) Berlin / member of Plattform Lernende Systeme

Successful AI implementation requires a balance between people, technology and organization

Artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing existing processes, task allocations and organizational structures in the world of work. The interaction between people and AI in the company will result in a change in corporate culture. The first changes in the way we interact with each other and in communication are already manifesting themselves. In this context, change processes must be consciously perceived and actively shaped. In this interview, Andrea Stich explains what the use of AI has to do with corporate culture, how employees can remain the focus of attention despite the use of AI and what challenges remain. She is Head of the Frontend Academy at Infineon Technologies AG and a member of the Work/Qualification, Human-Machine Interaction working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

1

Ms Stich, what does the use of AI have to do with corporate culture?

Andrea Stich: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is closely linked to corporate culture and acts both as a driver and result of the resulting cultural change. Successful implementation requires an environment that promotes innovation and conscious support for this change. Success therefore depends to a large extent on how actively and purposefully companies shape cultural change.

This change goes far beyond purely technical aspects and influences key areas such as communication, cooperation, leadership, role models and the general ability to innovate. Without the willingness of employees to embrace these changes, the positive effects of AI cannot be utilized. Companies are therefore required to manage this process proactively in order to ensure the long-term success of AI.

A key factor is compliance with basic ethical principles, including autonomy, fairness, transparency and the protection of human dignity. These values not only serve as a guide, but are also crucial for the sustainable and responsible introduction of AI systems.

2

How do employees remain the focus despite AI support?

Andrea Stich: A successful AI implementation requires a balance between people, technology and organization. The human factor and organizational structures are often overlooked, even though they are crucial. Early participation of employees and their interest groups is essential in order to design user-centered systems and reduce fears from the outset. The development of AI skills among employees is a fundamental prerequisite for this.

Overall, it can be said that the use of AI has a profound impact on the nature of collaboration and interpersonal interaction within the company. The success of the introduction of AI depends largely on how consciously and participatively this cultural change is shaped by the company and how strongly the focus is placed on people, building trust and developing skills.

Trust is a decisive factor for the successful use of AI. It is created through early and clear communication about upcoming changes, the involvement of employees in decision-making processes and the transparent formulation of objectives. It is important to allay employees' fears of AI by making it clear that these technologies can ease the burden and allow them to focus on creative and value-adding tasks. The focus should therefore be on human-centered AI systems that take into account both technical efficiency and social and cultural needs.

3

What challenges remain for companies and employees?

Andrea Stich: Companies and employees face other key challenges throughout the digital transformation, four of which I would like to highlight.

  1. Data protection and security are essential: companies must protect personal data and give employees transparency and control over their information. At the same time, security risks such as cyberattacks must be technically minimized.
  2. The integration of AI into existing processes is complex and requires a smooth transition. Here, management must find a balance between automation and human interaction, as the human factor remains indispensable in creative, ethical and communicative tasks.
  3. Another problem lies in the focus on increasing efficiency rather than innovation. Many companies use AI primarily for optimization, but miss opportunities to open up new business areas. Experimental spaces can help to use AI in a creative and future-oriented way.
  4. In addition, demands on employees are growing: On the one hand, there are concerns about a loss of skills due to automation, while on the other, new qualifications need to be acquired in order to use AI systems effectively. Companies are required to create further training opportunities and to actively and purposefully support the change in skills.      

Successful digitalization therefore requires a strategic and interdisciplinary approach that takes equal account of technology, innovation and the needs of employees. Only in this way can the opportunities offered by AI be used responsibly.

The impulse paper „AI in companies: Perspectives on cultural change“ (in German) is available for download here.

The interview is released for editorial use (provided the source is cited © Plattform Lernende Systeme).

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