A few pivotal existential moments make us look back and realise the tectonic shift we have experienced. One of those defining moments has been the digital transformation the pandemic pushed the world towards, and the other one happened in November 2022, when OpenAI launched ChatGPT.
Artificial intelligence (AI) as a concept has been around for several decades now, what ChatGPT did is make it simple, easy to use, and completely transform and democratise the use of technologies. The generative AI (gen AI) component has made the use all the easier.
Since then, the interaction between humans and AI has started changing the fundamental aspects of work and organisational cultures. When the pandemic hit, Human Resource (HR) systems quickly adapted and accommodated remote teams, a hybrid work environment, and the idea of people simply working out of anywhere.
Now, with gen AI, the productivity index is simply growing and transforming. Today, the co-existence of both humans and workplace AI has become a necessity to stay competitive and ahead of the curve.
As revealed by research from MIT, the integration of AI technologies has yielded far-reaching benefits beyond mere operational enhancements. The study underscores that organisations leveraging AI witnessed marked improvements in team morale, collaboration, and collective learning.
AI integration has become a necessity
MIT’s findings, indicating that “75 per cent also saw improvements in team morale, collaboration, and collective learning,” elucidate the transformative potential of AI within organisational ecosystems.
Nevertheless, while technology itself plays a crucial role, it constitutes only a fraction of the overall success of initiatives.
“In my view, approximately 5 per cent of the success can be attributed directly to the technology deployed, while the remaining 95 per cent hinges on factors such as people, processes, and the seamless integration of technology into daily operations,” says Sid Bhatia, Regional VP & General Manager, Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Dataiku.
But there is a flip side, if the recent Google culture debacle is to be believed, technology is an amplifier. Take, for example, the latest AI crisis at Google, which has created a cultural hazard within the organisation and has even called for the ouster of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
When organisations embark on technological initiatives, they often focus predominantly on the technology aspect, neglecting the broader ecosystem within which these changes must operate.
Building a culture that fosters learning
This oversight frequently leads to implementation failures or underwhelming outcomes. For instance, investing in cutting-edge software solutions without adequately preparing employees or aligning processes with the new technology can result in suboptimal performance and wasted resources.
To achieve success, organisations must prioritise building a culture that fosters continuous learning and embraces technological change. Leaders play a pivotal role in cultivating this culture by championing innovation, encouraging experimentation, and rewarding risk-taking.
Create a culture of openness
Gayathri Murukan, an engineer turned life coach explained implementing modern technology strategies requires a multifaceted approach that considers both technical considerations and organisational culture.
“One of the key challenges organisations face is resistance to change, particularly if employees perceive technology as a threat to their roles or workflow,” said Murukan.
To address this, organisations need to foster a culture of openness and transparency around technological advancements. This means, they need to communicate the rationale behind adopting new technologies, highlighting the potential benefits for both individuals and the organisation.
The key lies with the leaders
Most experts believe leadership plays a critical role in shaping organisational culture and driving technological adoption.
Senior management must lead by example, demonstrating a willingness to embrace new technologies, experiment with novel approaches, and champion a culture of innovation.
As Suresh Sambandam, CEO Kissflow puts it, “Cultivating a culture of innovation requires leadership commitment, education, and adoption at all levels of the organisation.”
Sambandam explained executives must lead by example, embracing AI technologies themselves and encouraging their teams to do the same.
“Additionally, ongoing education and training initiatives can help employees adapt to new technologies and overcome fears or resistance to change. By empowering employees to leverage AI tools effectively, organisations can drive innovation and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape,” said Sambandam.
By actively promoting transparency and inclusiveness, leaders can create an environment where employees feel empowered to explore new technologies and contribute their ideas.
Furthermore, organizations must invest in providing employees with the necessary training and resources to navigate the complexities of data projects and AI initiatives effectively.
Continuous learning initiatives, workshops, and mentorship programs can help bridge the skills gap and ensure that employees feel equipped to harness the full potential of emerging technologies.
It’s essential to establish clear communication channels and mechanisms for sharing knowledge and best practices related to data projects and AI. Transparency throughout the project lifecycle fosters trust and alignment, enabling stakeholders to understand the rationale behind technological decisions and the potential impact on their roles and responsibilities.
“Moreover, involving employees in the decision-making process and soliciting feedback can increase buy-in and alleviate concerns about job security or role displacement,” said Murukan.
She explained training and upskilling initiatives are also critical to ensuring successful technological adoption. By providing employees with the necessary skills and resources to leverage new technologies effectively, organisations can empower them to embrace change and adapt to evolving work environments.
“Additionally, promoting a supportive work culture that values experimentation and continuous learning can bolster morale and mitigate resistance to technological innovation,” said Murukan.
Addressing the job concern
To get the complete support of your team, it is important to address internal concerns about job security while implementing new technology. While technological advancements hold the promise of driving efficiency and innovation, they can also evoke fears of job displacement and uncertainty among employees.
To mitigate these concerns, organisations must adopt a proactive approach that prioritises transparency, communication, and upskilling initiatives.
First and foremost, leaders must acknowledge and validate employees’ concerns about job security. Open and honest communication about the reasons behind technological changes, their potential impact on the workforce, and the organisation’s long-term vision is crucial for building trust and allaying fears.
“In addition to upskilling initiatives, organisations should emphasise the complementary nature of technology and human labour. Rather than viewing technology as a threat to job security, employees should be encouraged to see it as a tool that enhances their capabilities and enables them to focus on higher-value tasks,” said Bhatia.
Creating a culture of continuous learning and adaptation is essential for building resilience in the face of technological change. By fostering an environment where experimentation is encouraged, failures are viewed as opportunities for growth, and employees feel supported in their professional development, organizations can mitigate concerns about job security and foster a workforce that is adaptable, motivated, and engaged.
This requires a combination of transparent communication, upskilling initiatives, and a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. By proactively addressing employees’ concerns and investing in their professional development, organisations can build a resilient workforce capable of thriving in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Building towards growth and competitiveness
Successful integration of technology also requires a keen focus on aligning technological changes with the organisation’s overarching vision, values, and strategic goals. This alignment ensures that technology investments contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s growth and competitiveness.
Leveraging AI to understand and enhance organisational culture can be a game-changer. AI analytics can sift through vast amounts of data to identify patterns, providing valuable insights into the dynamics at play.
“First and foremost, organisations must recognise the pivotal role of data in driving informed decision-making and optimising business processes. Data projects, including those leveraging AI and machine learning technologies hold immense potential to unlock valuable insights, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation. However, success in this domain hinges on technological prowess and fostering a culture that values data-driven decision-making and encourages experimentation,” said Bhatia.
In summary, incorporating technological changes into organisational culture requires a concerted effort to promote collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning. By fostering a culture that values data-driven decision-making, embraces innovation, and effectively empowers employees to leverage emerging technologies, organisations can position themselves for success in an increasingly digital and data-driven world.
