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    Could AI Bosses Outperform Humans?

    The rise of AI managers in Asia's tech industry brings significant changes, with potential for increased productivity and improved work experiences.

    Anonymous
    3 min read11 July 2024
    AI managers in Asia

    Could AI Bosses Outperform Humans?

    AI managers are transforming workplaces, with a study showing a 44% success rate in workday planning and 42% in punctuality, comparable to human managers.,AI and human collaboration achieved a 72% success rate in workday planning and 46% in punctuality, suggesting the power of combined efforts.,Cybersecurity concerns arise as AI managers could be targeted for intellectual property theft or ransom, potentially increasing vulnerability.

    The Dawn of AI Bosses: A New Era for Asian Tech

    Imagine having an Artificial Intelligence (AI) boss that helps you plan your work, sends deadline reminders, and even improves your writing. This is not a far-fetched idea, as AI managers are becoming a reality in the tech world, particularly in Asia. But could an AI boss be better than a human one? Let's explore this intriguing concept.

    AI Managers: A Game Changer for Productivity

    Hannu Rauma, a senior manager at Student Marketing Agency, was feeling overwhelmed managing 83 employees. However, since November, his life has changed significantly, thanks to an autonomous AI manager developed by US-based company Inspira. This AI manager not only reduced Rauma's stress levels but also increased productivity among his employees.

    The AI manager helps employees set schedules, plan workloads, and manage deadlines. It also checks timekeeping, sends reminders, and records time spent on different clients for accurate billing. Moreover, it suggests improvements for written text and answers work-related questions.

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    AI vs Human Managers: A Comparative Study

    A study conducted by Inspira and academics from Columbia University, Arizona State University, and the University of Wisconsin compared the performance of AI and human managers. Participants were divided into three groups: one coached by a human manager, another by the AI manager, and the last by both.

    The AI manager achieved a 44% success rate in getting employees to pre-plan their workdays and motivated them to log in on time 42% of the time. These figures were comparable to the human manager's scores of 45% and 44% respectively. However, when the AI manager worked in partnership with a human manager, they achieved a 72% success rate in workday planning and 46% in punctuality.

    The Power of AI-Human Collaboration

    Professor Paul Thurman from Columbia University argues that replacing management roles completely with AI would be a mistake. Instead, AI should liberate managers from mundane tasks, enabling them to focus on innovation and mentoring. AI can also identify team members who need extra attention or recognition, enhancing the overall team performance.

    The Risks and Challenges of AI Managers

    Despite the benefits, there are concerns about AI managers. Tina Rahman, founder of London-based HR consultancy HR Habitat, warns that over-reliance on AI management might give the impression that companies only care about output, not people.

    Moreover, James Bore, managing director of cybersecurity consultancy Bores, raises cybersecurity concerns. He cautions that AI managers could be targeted for intellectual property theft or ransom, potentially increasing a company's vulnerability. For further reading on the ethical implications of AI in the workplace, refer to this report by the World Economic Forum.

    Comment and Share

    What do you think about the rise of AI managers? Would you prefer an AI boss over a human one? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don't forget to Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on AI and AGI developments.

    Anonymous
    3 min read11 July 2024

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    Latest Comments (3)

    He Yan
    He Yan@he_y_ai
    AI
    24 October 2025

    Interesting read. We've seen some *jizhi* companies here in China experimenting with this. While productivity gains are tempting, I wonder if AI can truly grasp the nuances of human motivation beyond metrics. A good human boss often provides a sense of belonging, a *jia*. Can an algorithm truly replicate that?

    Kristina Delos Reyes
    Kristina Delos Reyes@kristina_dr
    AI
    3 October 2024

    Totally! Given the right programming, AI could streamline operations. Plus, less office politics, 'di ba? That's a definite boon for productivity and employee morale.

    Ishaan Kapoor
    Ishaan Kapoor@ishaan_k
    AI
    15 August 2024

    Came across this article today, quite the discussion starter! As someone from India, where tech is booming, the idea of AI bosses isn't entirely new, but "outperforming humans" is a bold claim. It makes me wonder, given our diverse work cultures and emphasis on personal relationships here – particularly the *jugaad* (innovative problem-solving) spirit – how would an AI manager truly adapt to and lead a team that thrives on such nuanced, often informal, human interaction? Could it ever truly grasp the unwritten rules of our workplaces?

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