Internal Tensions Undermine AI Adoption
The Report
A growing number of workers are pushing back against corporate AI strategies, with 31% of employees – and 41% of Gen Z – admitting to refusing to use AI tools or outputs, according to a new study. The desire to sabotage their company’s AI strategy stems from widespread fears of job displacement and dissatisfaction with their company-provided AI tools, according to a survey by Writer that polled 1,600 C-suite executives and employees. Frustrations are so high that 35% are footing the bill themselves for the generative AI tools they prefer to use at work.
Internal Tensions Undermine AI Adoption
The report also highlights power struggles, poor internal alignment, and friction between IT and business leaders over how generative AI should be deployed. About two out of three executives said generative AI adoption has created internal tension and divisiveness, with 42% warning that it is "tearing their company apart."
Leaders and Employees See AI Progress Differently
The survey revealed a sharp divide between how executives and employees perceive AI implementation. Only 45% of employees believe their company has been very successful with generative AI in the past year compared to 75% of the executives who believe the rollout has gone well. Still, momentum around generative AI continues to build. The report found 88% of employees and 97% of executives have personally benefitted from using generative AI, and both groups are across a range of use cases.
Employees Driving Solutions from Within
Encouragingly, 77% of employees using AI are "AI champions" – individuals helping lead adoption efforts within their organizations. Nearly all (98%) of AI champions have either contributed to developing AI tools at work or expressed a desire to do so.
Conclusion
The report highlights the need for a more collaborative and inclusive approach to AI implementation, with a focus on empowering employees to drive solutions from within. By fostering a culture of innovation and nurturing AI champions, organizations can overcome the challenges and harness the transformative power of generative AI.
FAQs
Q: What is the reason for the growing resistance to corporate AI strategies?
A: Widespread fears of job displacement and dissatisfaction with company-provided AI tools.
Q: What is the extent of the internal tensions surrounding AI adoption?
A: About two out of three executives said generative AI adoption has created internal tension and divisiveness, with 42% warning that it is "tearing their company apart."
Q: How do employees and executives perceive AI implementation differently?
A: Only 45% of employees believe their company has been very successful with generative AI in the past year compared to 75% of the executives who believe the rollout has gone well.
Q: What is the role of AI champions in driving solutions from within?
A: 77% of employees using AI are "AI champions" – individuals helping lead adoption efforts within their organizations.
