Business leaders are increasingly worried about AI’s disruptive effects on the future of work. Many workers fear job losses, but their anxiety also stems from the idea of AI making decisions about their work. Should we worry about a future with robot-managers? And are managers themselves at risk of losing their jobs?
The short answer is no. But this doesn’t mean the status quo will remain unchanged. The rise of AI is reshaping our expectations of management. Some suggest this could lead to a more human-focused approach in work relationships and a shift toward collective interests.
Our research into the history of management explains why it is possible that AI-enhanced management needs people-managers more than resource-managers. It seems that more AI in management requires fewer hard skills from decision-makers but more soft skills. It is likely we will distinguish less between managers and leaders. With AI, the top priority for anyone in a management position becomes making others feel like they belong, facilitating interactions and enabling followers to succeed. Our findings even suggest that the future of management has already begun.
