FILE – Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at a Google I/O event in Mountain View, California, on May 14. … (+)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a technological advancement, but a central force reshaping the way businesses operate and compete. However, rapid adoption of AI poses considerable challenges, particularly around public trust. The Bentley-Gallup Business in Society 2023 report highlights significant skepticism about the role of AI in society, with 79% of respondents expressing little or no confidence in businesses’ ability to use AI responsibly. This data highlights a critical challenge for leaders: ensuring that AI is used in ways that not only improve efficiency, but also uphold ethical standards. By demonstrating the potential of AI as a responsible tool, leaders can inspire confidence in its use.
The impact of AI on employment
One of the public The main concern is the effect of AI on employment. The report notes that three-quarters of Americans believe AI will lead to job losses over the next decade. This apprehension is particularly acute among people without a bachelor’s degree and among older people, with 80% of people aged 60 or over fearing they will lose their jobs due to advances in AI. On the other hand, young Americans, although still worried, are slightly more optimistic about the impact of AI on the job market.
Perceived benefits versus risks of AI
Although there are concerns, the public recognizes the benefits of AI. For example, 68% of Americans value AI’s ability to personalize online content, and 65% value its product and service recommendations. However, there is notable caution towards AI performing tasks that require nuanced judgment, such as medical advice or job recommendations, with the majority believing that AI performs worse than humans in these areas.
The generational divide
The report also highlights a generational divide in attitudes towards AI. Younger Americans, particularly those aged 18 to 29, are more likely to view AI favorably than their older counterparts. This group is significantly more confident in AI’s ability to improve their online experiences, with 82% saying AI matches or exceeds human performance when it comes to personalizing content seen online. This generational divide could be attributed to differences in exposure and familiarity with AI technologies.
Leadership and AI Strategy
For business leaders, the significant trust deficit presents both a challenge and an opportunity. To successfully navigate this complex landscape, leaders must actively build trust with the public. This means innovating and being transparent about how AI technologies are implemented and what safeguards are in place to protect individuals and societal norms. Here are key strategies leaders can use:
Improve transparency:
Leaders must ensure clear communication about the purpose, mechanics, and safety of AI applications.. Transparency of AI operations not only builds trust, but also helps demystify the technology to the public and employees, providing them with a sense of reassurance.
Promote the ethical use of AI:
It is crucial to develop and enforce ethical guidelines for the use of AI within organizations. Leaders must address potential biases in AI algorithms and ensure that these technologies are used in a way that respects privacy and promotes security.
Invest in employee training:
As AI reshapes job roles, investing in continuous learning and development is essential. Leaders should provide resources and training to help employees adapt to new technologies, alleviating fears related to layoffs.
Engage with stakeholders:
Regular dialogue with employees, customers and the wider community is essential. Engagement helps align AI strategies with societal values and expectations, fostering a more inclusive approach to technology deployment. This active engagement allows stakeholders to feel included and valued in the AI adoption process.
Monitor impact and adapt:
Continually evaluating the impact of AI on business and society allows leaders to adjust their strategies in response to public opinion and new knowledge. Being adaptive ensures that AI initiatives are productive and well-received.
The ongoing dialogue between innovation and public opinion will significantly shape the societal role of AI. As the Bentley-Gallup Business in Society 2023 report reveals, there is a critical need for businesses to balance innovation and responsible management. By addressing issues of ethics, employment and trust, leaders can pave the way for a future in which AI is seen not only as a tool for efficiency, but also as a positive force for societal progress.
