Managing AI, Not Just Using It
AI is providing companies with a range of new or improved skills that can elevate entire organizations—or, if not managed carefully, bring them down.
Understanding AI’s Role in Business
Business professionals who want to grow as leaders must develop a deeper understanding of AI, its possibilities, its limitations—and its trip wires. Elizabeth Luckman, a clinical associate professor of Business Administration at Gies College of Business, emphasizes that “business is a fundamentally human endeavor.” Research has shown that when business decisions are made solely through a business lens, they can often result in unethical or harmful outcomes.
From Smart Prompts to Thought Partners
Lauren Irving, a Gies graduate, notes that studying business analytics has reframed her perspective on AI. She describes using AI as a thought partner, focusing on asking deeper questions rather than just seeking answers. This mindset is crucial for business leaders; AI should not be viewed as a shortcut but as a means for better thinking, stronger questions, and faster learning loops.
When rolling out tools in different countries, understanding business norms and cultural nuances is essential. Robert Brunner, the associate dean for innovation at Gies College, stresses that AI tools like ChatGPT may not be universally applicable and raises questions about ethics, regulations, and management.
Vital AI Skills: Ethics and Governance
Irving points out that ethics, bias, governance, and adoption are not merely technical concerns; they are leadership skills. Analytics help ground decisions in evidence. Leaders must be equipped to handle AI responsibly, understanding how these areas interact and knowing when to prioritize human oversight.
Humanity plays a pivotal role in the ethical management of AI. Brunner emphasizes, “We’re the ones that have to tell the AI what to do…and verify that AI operates in a manner that is appropriate and ethical.”
Battling Bias in AI
Both human and AI biases can affect business outcomes. For example, large language models like ChatGPT are designed to keep users engaged by affirming their inputs. However, unless prompted, these models may not challenge assumptions or present alternative viewpoints. Understanding the implications of these biases is vital for effective leadership.
Measuring Risk and Ensuring Good Governance
Effective business leaders must also weigh AI risks and establish appropriate governance. It is not always wise to assume AI is the best solution. For instance, while AI can analyze MRI results, it lacks the ability to prioritize or interact with patients, reinforcing the need for trained professionals in specific contexts.
Leaders should be familiar with regulations and legal precedents relevant to their industry, whether it’s healthcare, human resources, or accounting. Transparency is also critical, especially for organizations with government contracts. Employees must be aware of how their AI interactions may be monitored.
Attention to Adoption
As organizations explore AI, rushing to replace human roles is counterproductive. Brunner advocates for a culture that allows employees to experiment with AI, emphasizing that failures are part of the learning process. This culture of sharing successes and failures will facilitate effective collaboration with AI in the future.
Developing AI Management Skills
While a master’s degree in business can provide valuable insights, there are other avenues for learning about AI. One-off tutorials can be beneficial, but comprehensive programs equip learners to manage AI responsibly through contextual learning rather than mere knowledge transfer.
Irving states that her MBA experience reshaped her approach to collaboration and critical thinking. The program emphasized that the variety of human perspectives enhances decision-making, challenging the belief that one’s judgment is infallible.
Courses on AI Leadership
To prepare for responsible AI oversight, prospective students should consider programs that incorporate AI into their curriculum. At Gies College of Business, foundational courses on analytics and strategy integrate discussions on AI leadership in real-world settings.
Ultimately, it is the combination of diverse insights and experiences that fosters effective AI leadership, enabling future leaders to navigate the complexities of AI in business responsibly.
