Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
submittedVersion
Publication Date
11-2021
Abstract
There has been great concern in recent years that artificial intelligence (AI) may cause widespread unemployment, but proponents say that AI augments existing jobs. Both of these positions have substance, but there is a need is to articulate the mechanisms by which AI may actually do both, and in the process, transform work and business organizations alike. We use economic studies showing past transformations automation wrought on the structure of employment and skills (such as the favouring of nonroutine skills) to articulate a ground for discussion. We then use case evidence of AI and automation to show how AI is transforming automation, allowing firms to more easily monitor and control work automatically. The remaining work tends to be modularized, allowing for further replacement in the future. We also illustrate the dynamic effects that take place when AI is further combined with other key technologies, garnering for the firms economies of scale and scope. The end result tends to be employment structures favoring the highly technical occupations (illustrating how the economic findings can occur). We end with a call for more critical conversations between society and business, and introspection on what business schools should be teaching.
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence, Employment, Automation, Augmentation, Replacement
Discipline
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics | Strategic Management Policy | Technology and Innovation
Research Areas
Strategy and Organisation
Publication
Academy of Management Perspectives
Volume
35
Issue
4
First Page
642
Last Page
659
ISSN
1558-9080
Identifier
10.5465/amp.2019.0062
Publisher
Academy of Management
Embargo Period
3-24-2021
Citation
TSCHANG, F. Ted and ALMIRALL, Esteve.
Artificial intelligence as augmenting automation: Implications for employment. (2021). Academy of Management Perspectives. 35, (4), 642-659.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/6669
Copyright Owner and License
Authors
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.5465/amp.2019.0062
Included in
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Commons, Strategic Management Policy Commons, Technology and Innovation Commons