en pl
en pl

Central European Management Journal

Show issue
Year 09/2024 
Volume 32 
Issue 3

Embracing intelligent machines: A qualitative study to explore the transformational trends in the workplace

Sumathi Annamalai
School of Business and Management, Christ University, Bangalore

Aditi Vasunandan
Goldman Sachs India, Bangalore

09/2024 32 (3) Central European Management Journal

DOI 10.1108/CEMJ-03-2023-0137

Abstract

Purpose – With Industry 4.0 and the extensive rise of smart technologies, we are seeing remarkable transformations in work practices and workplaces. Scholars report the phenomenal progress of smart technologies. At the same time, we can hear the rhetoric emphasising their potential threats. This study focusses on how and where intelligent machines are leveraged in the workplace, how humans co-working with intelligent machines are affected and what they believe can be done to mitigate the risks of the increased use of intelligent machines.
Design/methodology/approach – We conducted in-depth interviews with 15 respondents working in various leadership capacities associated with intelligent machines and technologies. Using NVivo, we coded and churned out the themes from the qualitative data collected.
Findings – This study shows how intelligent machines are leveraged across different industries, ranging from chatbots, intelligent sensors, cognitive systems and computer vision to the replica of the entire human being. They are used end-to-end in the value chain, increasing productivity, complementing human workers’ skillsets and augmenting decisions made by human workers. Human workers experience a blend of positive and negative emotions whilst co-working with intelligent machines, which influences their job satisfaction level. Organisations adopt several anticipatory strategies, like transforming into a learning organisation, identifying futuristic technologies and upskilling their human workers, regularly conducting social learning events and designing accelerated career paths to embrace intelligent technologies.
Originality/value – This study seeks to understand the emotional and practical implications of the use of intelligent machines by humans and how both entities can integrate and complement each other. These insights can help organisations and employees understand what future workplaces and practices will look like and how to remain relevant in this transformation.

Full metadata record

Cite this record

APA style

Annamalai, Sumathi & Vasunandan, Aditi (2024). Embracing intelligent machines: A qualitative study to explore the transformational trends in the workplace. (2024). Embracing intelligent machines: A qualitative study to explore the transformational trends in the workplace. Central European Management Journal, 32(3), 350-367. https://doi.org/10.1108/CEMJ-03-2023-0137 (Original work published 09/2024AD)

MLA style

Annamalai, Sumathi and Vasunandan, Aditi. “Embracing Intelligent Machines: A Qualitative Study To Explore The Transformational Trends In The Workplace”. 09/2024AD. Central European Management Journal, vol. 32, no. 3, 2024, pp. 350-367.

Chicago style

Annamalai, Sumathi and Vasunandan, Aditi. “Embracing Intelligent Machines: A Qualitative Study To Explore The Transformational Trends In The Workplace”. Central European Management Journal, Central European Management Journal, 32, no. 3 (2024): 350-367. doi:10.1108/CEMJ-03-2023-0137.