AI in Managerial Decision-Making : A qualitative study on how Artificial Intelligence influences managerial decision-making during the international expansion of B2B SMEs.

Sammanfattning

The way firms handle information and assist in managerial decision-making has changed as a result of the improvement of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, for small and medium-sized (SMEs), especially in business-tobusiness (B2B) environments, international expansion remains to be a challenging and uncertain process. This study looks at how AI influences management choices when Swedish B2B SMEs expand internationally. Based on semi-structured interviews with managers from five Swedish B2B SMEs that are involved in international contexts. It is also used a qualitative multi-case study design where the empirical results were interpreted in connection with the theoretical framework using an abductive research approach and thematic analysis. The Uppsala model, bounded rationality theory, and human-AI decision-making viewpoints serve as the main foundations for our study. The findings show that rather than acting as an individual decision-maker, AI mostly serves as a helpful tool that managers use for data collection, market analysis, and to increase operational efficiency. When managers face hard decisions, AI helps them absorb information more quickly and with less stress. However, while making strategic decisions, managers still mostly rely on their own judgment, intuition, experience, and relationship-based knowledge. In addition, it is also demonstrated that cultural differences, lack of knowledge, and uncertainty have a major impact on managerial decisionmaking in international business environments. Managers believe that AI is limited in its ability to understand relational aspects of global businesses, despite the fact that it enhances information accessibility and analytical help. Overall, the study finds that while human experience continues to be crucial during international expansion, AI is a viable option to support their choices in Swedish B2B SMEs rather than replacing it.