AI proliferation: From organizational change to long-term, massive unemployment?

AI proliferation: From organizational change to long-term, massive unemployment?

Článek - ostatní

The rapid proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is transforming organizations, labor markets, and the broader economy, intensifying debate over whether AI will primarily augment human capabilities or lead to widespread technological unemployment. This paper synthesizes recent interdisciplinary evidence from economics, human resource management, information systems, and labor market research to evaluate the conditions under which AI adoption can generate sustainable economic and social benefits. The reviewed literature indicates that the long-term consequences of GAI are not predetermined but depend on strategic organizational choices, governance mechanisms, workforce capability development, and public policy. While empirical evidence reveals measurable short-term employment and earnings losses in highly exposed occupations, particularly among creative and freelance workers, macroeconomic studies suggest that aggregate productivity gains are likely to be positive but modest. The paper argues that organizations should prioritize human-centered AI implementation through augmentation rather than substitution, supported by effective governance, digital literacy, continuous reskilling, and the creation of new, high-value tasks that complement human judgment. It concludes that avoiding long-term, large-scale unemployment requires coordinated efforts by businesses and policymakers to ensure that AI enhances rather than replaces human work, thereby promoting inclusive productivity growth and sustainable labor market transformation.

The rapid proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is transforming organizations, labor markets, and the broader economy, intensifying debate over whether AI will primarily augment human capabilities or lead to widespread technological unemployment. This paper synthesizes recent interdisciplinary evidence from economics, human resource management, information systems, and labor market research to evaluate the conditions under which AI adoption can generate sustainable economic and social benefits. The reviewed literature indicates that the long-term consequences of GAI are not predetermined but depend on strategic organizational choices, governance mechanisms, workforce capability development, and public policy. While empirical evidence reveals measurable short-term employment and earnings losses in highly exposed occupations, particularly among creative and freelance workers, macroeconomic studies suggest that aggregate productivity gains are likely to be positive but modest. The paper argues that organizations should prioritize human-centered AI implementation through augmentation rather than substitution, supported by effective governance, digital literacy, continuous reskilling, and the creation of new, high-value tasks that complement human judgment. It concludes that avoiding long-term, large-scale unemployment requires coordinated efforts by businesses and policymakers to ensure that AI enhances rather than replaces human work, thereby promoting inclusive productivity growth and sustainable labor market transformation.

Generative artificial intelligence; labor market transformation; human augmentation; organizational change; technological unemployment

Generative artificial intelligence; labor market transformation; human augmentation; organizational change; technological unemployment

BALCERZAK, A.; ŠKAPA, S.; GEDEON, T.; LAZAROIU, G.

01.12.2025

Inst Economic Research-Poland

Equilibrium

20

4

Polská republika

1223

1231

9

https://economic-policy.pl/index.php/eq/article/view/4042/2628