Understanding Managerial Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Decision-Making

This study investigates managerial perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in decision-making, focusing on understanding how managers interpret, evaluate, and integrate AI systems into their organizational processes. As organizations increasingly rely on AI-driven tools for data analysis, forecasting, and decision support, managers play a critical role in determining the effectiveness and ethical deployment of these technologies. The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth semi-structured interviews with managers from diverse industries to capture their experiences, insights, and concerns regarding AI adoption. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes that illustrate how managerial perceptions shape both the adoption process and the outcomes of AI-assisted decision-making. The findings reveal that managers perceive AI as a valuable tool for enhancing efficiency, analytical accuracy, and strategic focus, allowing them to shift attention from routine operational tasks to higher-order decision-making activities. At the same time, managers reported challenges associated with AI complexity, resistance to change, data quality, trust, transparency, and accountability, highlighting the socio-technical nature of AI adoption. Ethical considerations, including fairness, bias, and data privacy, were emphasized as critical factors influencing managerial confidence and willingness to rely on AI outputs. Organizational support, leadership endorsement, and continuous skill development were identified as essential enablers for successful integration. The study underscores the importance of balancing human judgment with machine-generated insights, reflecting the concept of collaborative intelligence, where AI augments rather than replaces managerial decision-making. This research provides a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping managerial engagement with AI, offering practical and strategic insights for organizations seeking to implement AI responsibly and effectively in decision-making processes.