Artificial intelligence to diversify human thinking

A new study from Tata Communications, based on input from 120 global business leaders, envisions a positive impact of AI in the future workplace.

In addition to the survey of 120 leading executives, the study included 15 in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs, executives and thought-leaders, as well as discussion forums that brought together internationally renowned experts from the fields of AI, machine learning, design, art, government, politics, ethics, entrepreneurship, behavioural economics, journalism, engineering and HR.

Nine in ten (90%) leaders agreed that cognitive diversity is important for management, while three in four (75%) respondents expected AI to create new roles for their employees.

A vast majority (93%) believed that AI will enhance decision making.

Key findings from the in-depth interviews include the following:

• AI can enhance cognitive diversity within groups
  There is growing consensus that diversity of thinking on projects yields better outputs.
  Business executives believe that AI could help create and maintain working groups that optimise this cognitive diversity.
• AI can help workers become more agile, curious, and nimble
  Almost all (93%) business leaders agree that AI can enhance employee engagement.
  AI has potential to assess each employee’s skills and innovation priorities, and suggest activities to spark creative thinking throughout the organisational hierarchy.
  This can democratise the creative process and increase engagement of all workers.
• AI can enhance human collaboration
  Business is increasingly multicultural, but a lack of understanding of languages and cultures can be a barrier to collaboration.
  Four out of five leaders surveyed agree that AI could facilitate team composition, organisation and communications, especially for global teams.
• The structure of work will change and require greater agility and flexibility
  Three-quarters of executives envision AI creating new roles in their businesses.
  AI has potential to free employees from tedious repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus much more on communication and innovation.
  Work will move from being task-based to strategic, enabling workers to enhance their curiosity and creative thinking.