AI and Organizational Transformation

Anthropological Insights into Higher Education

Abstract

Research Question (RQ): What are the emerging practices that vehicle the institutionalization process of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in teaching, learning, and research practices? What are the emerging perceptions related to the implementation and use of AI systems in higher education (HE)?

Purpose: The paper aims to explore and analyze, from an anthropological perspective, the impact of AI systems on teaching, learning and research practices and meanings in HE, including the ethical and moral considerations related to their implementation and use.

Methods: This study utilized an ethnographic framework and an online ethnography to explore the relationships between practices and meanings in the implementation of AI systems in HE. It also conducted a systematic review of studies on the use of AI in HE in Google scholar, Scopus, Springer and ScienceDirect to identify dominant themes and concepts. The research considered the cultural context in which AI practices are situated and explored how AI influences and is influenced by cultural norms, values and power dynamics.

Results: The research reveals how the introduction of AI systems affects teaching, learning and research practices and perceptions at HE. It sheds light on the silenced aspects of social practices and perceptions around this issue to provide elements for ethical development and use of AI systems.

Organization: The study seeks to raise the awareness of HE organizations about the potential impact of AI systems on teaching, learning, and research processes. It can guide educational institutions to make informed and ethical decisions regarding the implementation and use of AI technologies in their educational practice through the lens of organizational anthropology.

Society: The societal impact of the study lies in its potential to (re)shape educational practices and perspectives and to foster important ethical discussions. By addressing the impact of AI in HE, the study contributes to the creation of a more informed and technology-aware society.

Originality: The originality of the study lies in the interdisciplinary combination of exploring the impact of AI systems on teaching, learning and research practices from an anthropological perspective.

Limitations / Further research: Limitations of the study include that it relies on mainstream news databases and does not consider the perspective of users (administrators, teachers, students). Inclusion of non-Western sources and surveys or in-depth interviews to capture administrator/teacher/student engagement with AI tools could improve future research.