Is AI Becoming the New Manager?
TL;DR
This blog examines how AI-based advice seeking may affect managerial legitimacy and manager-employee relationships and argues that the important issue is not whether AI will formally replace managers, but whether increasing dependence on AI for workplace advice will change how employees perceive and use human managers.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Generative artificial intelligence is changing how employees complete tasks, solve problems, and obtain workplace guidance. Employees can now ask AI systems to explain unfamiliar issues, compare alternatives, review ideas, and provide preliminary recommendations before consulting their managers. This creates a new challenge for organizations. Managers have traditionally been important sources of expertise, interpretation, direction, and support. These interactions also help managers establish credibility and maintain relationships with employees. When employees increasingly turn to AI first, some of these interactions may shift away from managers. This blog examines how AI-based advice seeking may affect managerial legitimacy and manager-employee relationships. It argues that the important issue is not whether AI will formally replace managers, but whether increasing dependence on AI for workplace advice will change how employees perceive and use human managers.
