Among the advances in technology at present, the most frequently used feature is that of the Artificial Intelligence (AI), going as far as assisting human labor if not completely replacing their role at work.
It seems like AI technology is set to takeover yet another significant role in the future: that of the Chief Executive Officer, or more commonly known as CEO of companies.
While we have been working alongside AI for years and have been utilizing their benefits ever since developers started harnessing the potential of machines to answer questions or do tasks in our behalf, many have feared the rise and eventual takeover of technology.
Former director of MIT’s Computer Science and AI Lab, Anant Agarwal, comments that 80 percent of the work a CEO does can be replaced by AI. There’s actually truth in it, given that Artificial Intelligence has the power to make decisions provided it is fed with data related to the situation.
This aspect of a CEO’s job—decision-making—might be suited for AI because the emotionless factor of machines would mean that decisions are free from personal biases, egotistical tendencies and ambitions, and even favoritism among employees.
Interestingly, people under that position seem to have no major qualms about the possibility of their being replaced by machines. A recent survey consisting of business leaders as participants conducted by the IT consulting firm AND Digital saw 43 percent of respondents saw the future of AI taking over their jobs. Then again, 45 percent more admitted how ChatGPT became a significant game-changer for the business when it comes to leaving decisions to AI.
We don’t even need to wait long to observe the results because there are already some companies who have assigned AIs to the managerial position. The Polish drinks maker, Dictador, has arranged a humanoid robot named “Mika” as its experimental CEO.
Despite the relaxed reception of CEOs and companies in general with the takeover of Artificial Intelligence in managerial or leadership roles, many are still divided regarding the limits of how technology should be used alongside humans.
It’s true that technology are faster in solving problems and decision making, but there is also the major flaw of lacking core emotions such as empathy and skills that can only be taught to humans such as how leadership and management actually works. No matter how much data we feed AI technology, it will always be just that: data, an incomplete thing by itself.
How do you feel about AI taking over roles particularly CEO or leadership positions? Do you think these people deserve to be replaced by AI in the near future?