Study suggests heavy reliance on AI may erode managerial decision-making skills

A study published in the Academy of Management Review examined how generative AI tools reshape the way managers think and decide. Researchers from the University of Bath, Ohio State University, and Cardiff University conducted the research. The study suggests that convenience from AI may carry a hidden cost, potentially eroding the practical judgment built through years of firsthand experience. The lead author noted that artificial intelligence can only capture knowledge that has been codified.

The research highlights a potential shift in how knowledge is utilized in professional settings. If managers rely heavily on AI for tasks like drafting emails and summarizing meetings, the loss of tacit knowledge could affect the quality of business decisions. This raises questions about the long-term skill requirements and operational effectiveness of knowledge workers.