Strategic decision-making in the age of generative artificial intelligence, A mixed-methods study on the role of generative artificial intelligence in enhancing strategic foresight of decision-making

Sammanfattning

This thesis investigates how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can improve decision-making within organisations, focusing on its potential to improve strategic foresight, confidence, commitment, and decision quality. While prior research has explored predictive AI in operational settings, little empirical work has examined GenAI's cognitive and organisational impact in strategic contexts. Addressing this gap, the study employs a mixed-methods vignette-based experiment involving knowledge workers making market expansion decisions, both with and without GenAI support. Quantitative results reveal that while GenAI-assisted participants showed slightly higher confidence and commitment, the effects were not statistically significant. However, qualitative findings suggest that GenAI's ability to synthesise complex information and provide diverse perspectives positively influenced participants' sense of preparedness and reduced perceived uncertainty. Importantly, the study highlights that GenAI acts as a cognitive augmentation tool, complementing rather than replacing human judgment. By integrating organisational learning and decision theory, the thesis contributes to the emerging discourse on human-AI collaboration, offering both theoretical insights and practical guidance for organisations seeking to responsibly implement GenAI. The findings underscore the importance of fostering GenAI literacy and organisational trust to unlock GenAI's full potential in enhancing strategic decision-making.