Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and Human Intelligence (HI): A Double-edged Dilemma in Business Decision Making

Abstract

Decision making is the most important role in organizational management. While many factors are likely to influence the quality of decisions made by a manager, intelligence stands out as the most consequential determinant.  In the recent past, there has been a plurality of models and frameworks developed to enable managers make quality decisions amid heightened complexity in today’s business environment. Throughout history, people have heavily relied on their human intelligence (HI) in making critical decisions. However, the advancement of Artificial intelligence (AI) has caused a complete paradigm shift on how decisions are made in contemporary organizational management. The multifaceted nature of HI and its role in any decision-making process cannot be underscored. With the proliferation of AI and its robustness in solving complex business problems and guiding decision making, one might be left wondering if HI is still relevant.  This paper affirms the management dilemma in the application of AI tools considering its tremendous strengths and potential risks. It further explores the potential benefits of balancing AI and HI in business decision making to create a sustainable optimal business model. The paper is mainly qualitative in its approach and it is informed by the desk review of existing literature in the thematic areas. From the review and arguments presented, the paper concludes that the synergy between AI's data-processing capabilities and the irreplaceable human creativity and judgment presents a unique opportunity for superior business decision making resulting to optimization of business models and better performance. The paper recommends for the development and adoption of strategic policy frameworks by organizations and regulatory bodies that promote effective integration of HI with AI.  Finaly, the paper also recommends for deeper empirical research to show some of the best case models on integrating AI and HI for utmost performance.

Key Words; Artificial Intelligence (AI), Human intelligence (HI), Double-edged Dilemma

DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/16-9-02

Publication date: November 30th 2024