Would you accept an AI boss ordering you around the workplace and making decisions for the future of the business? About 15% of Americans would. A new poll assessing the sentiments around AI use found that many are becoming increasingly comfortable with the idea of being led by artificial intelligence rather than the real deal, putting more stock in its ability to make fair, unbiased decisions.
The Quinnipiac University poll revealed what many in the workforce have been thinking for a while: if AI can replace employees and perform with the efficiency that has been claimed by many, then what can it do when tasked with managerial, leadership-driven responsibilities? Granted, the large majority of respondents didn’t claim to regard AI managers as the future work, however, these sentiments could change with every step of advancement made by AI.
A recent poll found hat 15% of Americans would be okay with an AI boss running their workplace, but the large majority disagree. (Image: Freepik)
Could an AI Boss Run Your Workplace? The Adoption of Algorithmic Management Remains a Distant Possibility
Artificial intelligence has proven to be a contentious upgrade in technology, and it has the workplace vastly divided on its use. The Quinnipiac University poll took a closer look at an assortment of sentiments around AI, and it led to some interesting results. The poll among Americans on the idea of an AI boss showed that 80% would be unwilling to work a job where their direct supervisor was an AI program that assigned their tasks and schedules, but 15% would still consider working under AI.
These sentiments are unsurprising as there are concerns around the efficacy of the technology and how much it can achieve independently. The Quinnipiac University poll also found that 55% of Americans think that AI will do more harm than good in their day-to-day lives. Only 34% believe that the benefits of AI will outweigh the problems it causes.
Workers are growing more accustomed to working with artificial intelligence, but from their own experience, as previous reports have shown, there are limits to the benefit they offer. Following the initial burst of productivity, many have to invest additional resources towards correcting poor-quality work that is produced with AI. Leaders who are found sharing “AI slop” also risk damaging the trust that workers have in their capabilities, which tells us that employees still want to be led by capable leaders who care about quality.
AI Is Growing More Capable, But There Are Worries Surrounding Its Use
There is no current trend of AI replacing managers, but the technology has begun replacing employees. From financial institutions to tech firms, many organizations have adopted “AI agents” with an assigned purpose on the job, equipped with the skills necessary to perform tasks independently. This may present an ingenious application of the tech, but it means fewer jobs for actual workers.
Evidence suggests that the technology is still incapable of working without supervision, and human involvement will be essential to keep these tools operating with some degree of accuracy and reliability, but 70% of Americans still think AI will lead to a decline in the number of job opportunities available to them. Part of the uncertainty around the technology might have something to do with the lack of transparency around it. About 76% of Americans think that businesses aren’t doing enough to increase transparency around technology.
Employees remain uncertain if the technology has, in fact, managed to create such degrees of unprecedented productivity for organizations or if the reported layoffs that have occurred in favor of AI are just a case of “AI washing” cuts that occurred for other reasons. This confusion leaves many workers uncertain about the full extent of the technology’s potential. Still, with employees growing more familiar with the technology and seeing it replace their colleagues, more workers could soon start to see the benefits of an AI boss in the workplace. What will this mean for the future of work?
Would you be comfortable with an AI agent operating as your boss? Share your thoughts in the comments with us. Subscribe to The HR Digest for more insights on workplace trends, layoffs, and what to expect with the advent of AI.
