AI-based systems change work and management in an international pharmaceutical company, or does it?

Thumbnail Image

URL

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

School of Business | Master's thesis

Authors

Date

2024

Department

Johtamisen laitos

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

mib

Language

en

Pages

89

Series

Abstract

AI technologies are developing fast, and companies are acquiring new AI solutions at an accelerating pace. Companies acquiring new AI solutions inevitably trigger a change reflected in employees, management, processes, and practices. The success of implementing AI technology depends on different leadership styles and change planning from an individual's perspective. There is a lot of information about change management in the literature. Still, there is not yet much information about the implementation of AI technology, its management and its impact on work in the field of high regulation. AI implementation and change management are two different things, but their processes are interconnected. AI implementation focuses on the effective implementation of AI technology and its integration into other processes of the organisation. In contrast, change management focuses on broader organisational changes, such as changing operating culture, structures and processes. This research focuses on implementing AI technology in an international pharmaceutical company. To this end, I will review management literature to examine the change in the implementation of AI technology from the perspective of individuals and leadership styles. The research was conducted qualitatively. The research questions, how AI-based solutions change work and how the change was managed in a pharmaceutical company, sought answers about the change in work from an individual's perspective and explored how it was managed. The data was collected through interviews with 11 employees of the company. The research consisted of two groups: experts and leaders at different levels. In this way, the study could see and interpret the answers from the perspective of experts and leaders. The results show that implementing AI technology must be carefully prepared and have a business justification. The change participants will be provided with a clear picture and understanding of the vision and objectives related to AI technology. Change was examined from the individual's perspective and the impact of different leadership styles on it. The study found that the ADKAR model provided a clear picture of the obstacles and areas for developing change. It was used to find leadership styles that support change and their combinations that can be used at different stages of the ADKAR model to promote engagement and motivation. The study also revealed leadership challenges in an international, decentralised organisation where work is carried out in a self-directed manner

Description

Thesis advisor

Helanummi-Cole, Heli

Keywords

artificial intelligence, AI-based systems and applications, management, leadership, transactional leadership, transformational leadership, self-direction, ADKAR model

Other note

Citation

Permanent link to this item

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202408185523

Collections

[gradu] Kauppakorkeakoulu / BIZ