University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring employee responses to the use of generative AI in performance management.
Hel, Daphne van de (2024) Exploring employee responses to the use of generative AI in performance management.
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| Abstract: | Purpose - Recent years have seen a significant transformation in business and society due to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Were a new subfield emerged: generative AI. This technology autonomously creates content, becoming essential across various sectors. The Human Resource Management (HRM) field is rapidly evolving with generative AI integration. Despite generative AI's potential to enhance HR practices, research on generative AI’s role in performance management (PM) and how employees respond to this remains limited. Therefore, this study explores how employees respond to the potential use of generative AI within performance management. Method – This research employed a qualitative research methodology. Fifteen key informants participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their responses to the (potential) use of generative AI in the PM-process. Results - Key findings indicate that various burdens were identified: privacy, mental, emotional, bias, manipulation, and social burdens influence attitudes toward generative AI. However, experiencing a certain burden does not necessarily result in algorithmic aversion, nor does the absence of burdens automatically lead to algorithmic appreciation. These are rather separate concepts, not a continuum. Privacy concerns revolve around data storage and access, while emotional concerns stem from the lack of humanity in gen-AI assessments. Additionally, fears of manipulation arise from the potential bias in AI-generated outputs. Respondents expressed while generative AI can assist in PM, it should not replace human judgment. Maintaining the human aspect in PM is crucial, ensuring that emotional intelligence is preserved in assessments. To overcome burdens, organizations should establish clear guidelines, ensure transparency, and involve employees in the integration process. Providing continuous communication and making employees part of the process to build trust and acceptance. Conclusion – This study found that no single burden alone dictates employees’ perceptions of generative AI in performance management. Additionally, experience with generative AI shapes attitudes, more experienced employees are less skeptical and experience lower mental burdens. In general, employees are open to using generative AI in PM if it maintains human elements, ensures data security, and involves them in its integration. Clear guidelines and transparency are essential for overcoming burdens and fostering trust, leading to effective and accepted generative AI integration in PM. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104661 |
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