This text discusses the dilemma faced by organizations in leveraging AI for productivity enhancement. While AI has shown significant benefits for individual productivity, its impact on organizations as a whole is limited due to the inconsistent and error-prone nature of AI software. Many individuals, referred to as “secret cyborgs,” are using AI tools without revealing their usage to their companies due to organizational policies, fear of getting in trouble, and concerns about training their own replacements. To benefit from AI, organizations need to involve their employees in the AI agenda, decrease the fear associated with AI use, incentivize cyborgs to come forward, and address the challenges and opportunities AI presents. The text also raises questions about the distribution of AI productivity gains.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI productivity for individuals | From individual productivity to organizational productivity | AI will scale and become more consistent, benefiting organizations | Desire for increased efficiency and productivity |
| Secret cyborgs using AI | From hidden AI use to open AI adoption | Organizations will encourage employees to use AI openly | Fear of job replacement and desire to avoid trouble |
| Organizational bans on AI | From blanket bans to targeted policies | Companies will implement specific use policies for AI | Legal concerns and uncertainty about technology |
| Shadow IT and personal device use | From hidden AI use to sanctioned AI use | Companies will permit and support AI use on personal devices | Desire to access AI despite organizational bans |
| Value of AI from anonymous use | From anonymous AI use to open disclosure | Organizations will incentivize and guarantee no layoffs due to AI use | Fear of job loss and desire for transparency |
| Inclusion of all employees in AI agenda | From limited AI users to broad AI adoption | Companies will provide training and tools for all employees to use AI | Desire to tap into AI potential across the organization |
| Decreasing fear of revealing AI use | From fear of repercussions to open AI use | Leaders will offer guarantees and incentives to alleviate employee concerns | Desire to create a culture of psychological safety |
| Incentivizing cyborgs to come forward | From hidden AI use to open AI innovation | Companies will offer substantial rewards for AI discoveries and breakthroughs | Desire for breakthrough innovation and productivity gains |
| Managing productivity gains from AI | From unclear distribution to negotiated distribution | Companies will strategize how to allocate AI productivity gains | Questions of economic impact and fairness |
| Long-term planning for AI integration | From short-term focus to multi-year horizon | Companies will prioritize thoughtful and careful integration of AI | Need for strategic planning and oversight in AI adoption |