Artificial Intelligence and Groups: Effects of Attitudes and Discretion on Collaboration

Abstract

We theorize about human-team collaboration with AI by drawing upon research in groups and teams, social psychology, information systems, engineering, and beyond. Based on our review, we focus on two main issues in the teams and AI arena. The first is whether the team generally views AI positively or negatively. The second is whether the decision to use AI is left up to the team members (voluntary use of AI) or mandated by top management or other policy-setters in the organization. These two aspects guide our creation of a team-level conceptual framework modeling how AI introduced as a mandated addition to the team can have asymmetric effects on collaboration level depending on the team’s attitudes about AI. When AI is viewed positively by the team, the effect of mandatory use suppresses collaboration in the team. But when a team has negative attitudes toward AI, mandatory use elevates team collaboration. Our model emphasizes the need for managing team attitudes and discretion strategies and promoting new research directions regarding AI’s implications for teamwork.

CALL FOR PAPERS Small Group Research

“…The editorial team of Small Group Research invites authors to submit papers for a Special Issue on AI in Groups and Teams. It is essential to examine the role of AI in group and team settings given the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies into various aspects of work (e.g., Handke et al, 2022; Bezrukova et al, 2023), coupled with the ongoing development of communication technologies and the evolving dynamics of group collaboration (e.g., Gupta & Woolley, 2021). This Special Issue seeks to consolidate our understanding of AI in groups and teams and explore new perspectives, challenges, and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.…”

Call for Papers_dec issue 2023 Small Group Research

“…The editorial team of Small Group Research invites authors to submit papers for a Special Issue on AI in Groups and Teams. It is essential to examine the role of AI in group and team settings given the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies into various aspects of work (e.g., Handke et al, 2022; Bezrukova et al, 2023), coupled with the ongoing development of communication technologies and the evolving dynamics of group collaboration (e.g., Gupta & Woolley, 2021). This Special Issue seeks to consolidate our understanding of AI in groups and teams and explore new perspectives, challenges, and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.…”