Knowledge Workers and the Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating New Challenges

Abstract

This exploratory study examines the evolving role of knowledge workers in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the challenges and opportunities AI presents for productivity, creativity, and organizational processes. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study explores how AI technologies, particularly generative AI, influence knowledge work by automating routine tasks and enabling higher-level cognitive activities. The findings emphasize the need for knowledge workers to develop new skills to collaborate with AI systems, while organizations must adopt strategies that balance automation with human oversight. The study identifies future research directions, including empirical investigations into the integration of AI into knowledge workflows, the impact on creativity, and the ethical considerations of AI in decision-making processes. The conclusions underscore the importance of continuous learning and adaptation as knowledge workers and organizations navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Keywords

• artificial intelligence
• knowledge workers
• generative ai
• deskilling
• upskilling
• organizational knowledge management