13649: Humanizing AI: Should We Theorize About AI Assistants as Tools or Coworkers in Management Research?

Sunday, July 27, 2025

13:45 - 15:15 CEST (GMT+2)

Location: Bella Center: Hall B- B2-m5

Session Type: Symposium (panel)
Orientation: Practice,Research
Shareable link: https://cdmcd.co/vaAMDw

Organizer(s)

AV

Anand Prema Aschwin Van Zelderen

U. of Zurich, Switzerland

Moderator(s)

TH

Timothy David Hubbard

U. of Notre Dame, United States

Panelist(s)

KE

Katja Einola

Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden
PR

Philip Rogiers

U. Ramon Llull, ESADE Business School, Spain
RB

Roman Briker

Maastricht U., Netherlands
SH

Steven James Hyde

Boise State U., United States
ZJ

Zoe Jonassen

U. of St. Gallen, Switzerland

As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly integrates into workplaces, management scholars are rethinking how AI systems are conceptualized: as 'tools' to enhance human productivity or as 'coworkers' that shape organizational dynamics. This panel symposium brings together AI researchers to debate and explore the theoretical and practical implications of humanizing AI in the workplace. Panelists will present diverse perspectives on whether management theories adequately address AI’s role in organizational processes—such as decision-making, collaboration, leadership, and team dynamics—or if entirely new frameworks are required. The 90-minute session features short presentations by each panelist, followed by a moderated discussion and audience participation. By engaging in this dynamic exchange of ideas, the panel aims to foster a deeper understanding of AI’s evolving role, offering contrasting insights for scholars navigating this technological transformation and collaboratively shaping a roadmap for future research on human-AI collaboration.