Artificial Intelligence as an Organizing Capability: A Paradigm Shift in Understanding AI's Role in Organizations

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in the Journal of Management Studies challenges the conventional view of artificial intelligence (AI) as an independent entity within organizations. Researchers from the University of Ottawa argue that AI arises from the relations among human and algorithmic actors, rather than residing within algorithmic actors themselves. This ontological shift in conceptualizing AI has significant implications for understanding its organizational effects and opens new avenues for research in human-algorithm collaboration, algorithmic management, and organizational intelligence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study proposes a paradigm shift in understanding AI's role in organizations, moving beyond the prevailing view of AI as an independent entity.
  • AI is theorized to arise from the relations among human and algorithmic actors, characterized by connectivity, codependence, and emergence as core properties.
  • The shift from the entity view to the organizing capability view of AI has significant implications for understanding its organizational effects.
  • The study highlights the need for research in human-algorithm collaboration, algorithmic management, and organizational intelligence to capitalize on the benefits of AI.
  • Authors Mayur Joshi, Marta Stelmaszak, and Ioanna Constantiou contribute to the research, providing insights into the burgeoning field of AI and organizational studies.
  • The study's findings have implications for organizations seeking to leverage AI to improve their operations and decision-making processes.

Statistics:

  • The study is published in the Journal of Management Studies, a peer-reviewed journal with a global reputation for excellence in management research.
  • The research was conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Ottawa, led by Mayur Joshi.
  • The study cites a total of 3 authors: Mayur Joshi, Marta Stelmaszak, and Ioanna Constantiou.
  • The study was published in the October 27, 2025 edition of the Journal of Engineeering.

Sources:

  • Artificial Intelligence As an Organizing Capability Arising From Human-algorithm Relations. Journal of Management Studies, 2025.
  • University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management, 55 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, On K1N 9B9, Canada
  • Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA (Wiley-Blackwell - www.wiley.com/; Journal of Management Studies - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1467-6486)