This paper is still undergoing a peer review process so I’ll keep you updated on progress as it comes in, most likely near the end of 2024. I’m a qualitative researcher at heart, but I ran a piece of research using structural equation modelling to test a theory of how individual technology frames influences AI adoption. It was a complex piece of work that ran for almost 12 months testing many hypotheses. In short, I’m happy with the results but now its up to my peer reviewers 🙂 For now, have a look at the abstract and conclusions of the research. For the record, while I enjoy hardcore quantitative analyses, I’m still a qualitative researcher at heart.
Abstract
We investigate the role of cognitive frames in the adoption of artificial intelligence in the workplace. We propose a theoretical model of a three-level hierarchy of AI adoption that distinguishes between acceptance, collaboration, and co-creation. Each level represents higher levels of sophistication in human involvement in working with AI, ranging from passive utilitarian acceptance to active collaboration and co-creation. Using reasoning from technological frames of reference theory, we tested a structural model connecting individual cognitive frames to AI adoption. We developed a structural equation model that analyzed data collected from a sample of 305 professionals in Europe who have a high usage of technology in the workplace. Our results show the model exhibits high goodness of fit and predictive relevance. The work contributes to a greater understanding of the role of cognitive frames in driving the behavioural intention of adopting increasingly sophisticated AI technologies.
Conclusions
Cognitive frames provide an important contribution to IS literature that can support and supplement traditional works on AI technology adoption in the workplace. Our SEM model shows goodness of fit and predictive explanation of the role of cognitive frames, specifically technological frames, futures consciousness, and entrepreneurial orientation, and how they influence the adoption of increasingly sophisticated AI technologies. Cognitive frames are situational, and they change over time. Management action therefore needs to adapt accordingly, and this implies a high level of dynamism given the rapidly changing nature of AI technologies and their impacts on individuals, organizations, AI developers and solutions providers.
Funding Statement
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101023024 for Augmented-Humans.
Augmented Humans 