Uncertain futures of work: The perception of generative AI in knowledge professions

Florian Butollo, Jennifer Haase, Ann-Kathrin Katzinski and Anne K. Krüger

A chapter in Uncertain journeys into digital futures. Inter- and transdisciplinary research for mitigating wicked societal and environmental problems, 2025, pp 129-150 from ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics

Abstract: The application of generative AI (GenAI) tools has led to widespread speculation about the implications of technological change for the future of cognitive work. This article provides insights on how the use of GenAI affects work practices in the fields of IT programming, science and coaching based on expert interviews and a quantitative survey among users of GenAI. Specifically, we ask about perceptions on skills, creativity, and authenticity, which we regard as key qualities of cognitive work. Contrary to widespread expectations that AI use would hollow out or substitute aspects of cognitive work, we find that there is a strong awareness for the meaning of the professional core in each field. We conclude that the use of AI provokes reflections about the meaning of human work in operating AI tools adequately and taking on responsibility for their results, thereby rather reinforcing its relevance.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; cognitive work; digitalization; skills; creativity; authenticity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:eschap:335574

DOI: 10.5771/9783748947585-129

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