A study of artificial intelligence in relation to organizational change

Abstract

The pace of change in the evolving business environment has never been higher, and as a part of the broader automation movement, artificial intelligence (AI) will have a fundamental impact on the way we do business. This thesis aims to gather knowledge of how AI is influencing change management and organizational changes. A conceptual model based on the research question and the theoretical review is developed, consisting of the following categories: goals and strategy, engagement, and impact, and reactions. The model serves as a starting point for this thesis and the data collection. Thus, this thesis aims to gather knowledge of how artificial intelligence is influencing change management and organizational changes, mainly how factors such as goals and strategy, engagement, and impact, and reactions influence the effect of change concerning digitalization within artificial intelligence. To explore and examine our research problem, we conducted a qualitative study with explorative research design and in-depth interviews as a method. We did a pre-project to gain more information, understanding, and progress about the topic in general. The study is conducted at two different companies, Claims Link, an independent settlement company, and Aibel, a leading service company within oil, gas and offshore wind industries. We wanted to gain insight into the implementation of a digital co-worker called “Sødde” at Claims Link, and the implementation and development of a logistic based AI system called Master Material Data (MMD) at Aibel. The findings indicate that focusing on goals and strategy and engagement might succeed in having motivated and committed employees and positive reactions and emotions, and further resulting in positive effects regarding the implementation of digitalization within artificial intelligence. Thus, this study provides insight into change management and the broader automation movement and the implementation of artificial intelligence. Theoretical and practical implications and limitations are also discussed.