Abstract
This paper conceptualises the mutual relationship between human and ‘artificial’ intelligence as intelligent automation systems (IAS). The paper exemplifies the variety of technologies purchased by organisations (various forms of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data analysis) which shape knowledge work (Coombs et al, 2020). Secondly, we show how such technologies and their conditions shape human roles (Faraj et al, 2018) and interactions, questioning the development assumptions behind them as well. The relevance of this research lies in highlighting the importance of approaching the dynamic between humans and machines as an ongoing, mutually-influencing relationship, and thus investigating technologies within the wider sociotechnical system of the organisation. To frame this, we propose an overview of IAS using systems thinking literature, reviewing it through the lens of posthumanist work such as that of Castaneda and Suchman (2014), and its place in organizations (Orlikowski, 2010). The data informing this review is based on an empirical case study of organizational adoption of IAS (Blaha, 2021). The data consists of documentary evidence, social media analysis, and chatbot interactions, investigated through thematic analysis. We show that organizations indeed employ varied and distinct ‘intelligent’ technologies, which have varying extent of impact on human roles, practices, and reactions. Furthermore, as the sum of these interactions have wider implications collectively within the organization, we identify benefits to adopting a systems approach, such as overcoming silo-thinking, and thus silo-development, developing organizational learning, and supporting management decision-making.
Presenters
Luciana BlahaAssistant Professor, Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Intelligent Automation, Systems, AI, Human Practices, Posthumanism, Organizations
