New White Paper Explores AI’s Role in Enhancing Employee Value
The University of Phoenix has released a significant white paper titled “Leadership Opportunities for Increasing Employee Value through Artificial Intelligence,” authored by esteemed researchers Andrew C. Lawlor, Ph.D., and Pamayla E. Darbyshire, DHA, MSN/CNS. This document, produced by the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR), outlines how leaders can harness artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, to enhance employee value by addressing skills gaps and restoring autonomy.
The paper highlights a pressing context for many leaders today, with record-low institutional trust. Alarmingly, 21% of workers report a loss of control over their professional futures, and more than half, 51%, are experiencing burnout. The authors propose that thoughtful adoption of AI and targeted upskilling can serve as effective strategies to boost both performance and employee experience.
Key Findings on AI’s Impact
According to the research, AI has the potential to significantly improve workforce efficiency. The paper cites findings that organizations utilizing AI-enabled workflows have seen performance enhancements of over 20%. By automating non-value-added tasks—such as data entry and reporting—employees can redirect their efforts towards more strategic, creative, and customer-facing responsibilities.
Dr. Lawlor emphasizes the importance of leadership in this transition, stating, “AI’s value is realized when leaders redesign work and invest in upskilling, so people can move from routine tasks to higher-value responsibilities.” This approach not only aims to close the skills gap but also strengthens overall organizational performance.
Pamayla Darbyshire adds, “Embedding AI literacy, coaching, and clear guardrails into everyday work restores a sense of autonomy and reduces burnout.” Leaders who prioritize training and create environments for responsible AI use are likely to witness improvements in engagement and confidence among their teams.
The Economic Implications of AI Adoption
On a broader scale, the white paper references estimates indicating that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. This underscores the urgency for organizations to develop concrete, people-centered AI strategies. The authors highlight the necessity for leaders to adopt transformational leadership practices to mitigate burnout and enhance resilience among employees.
As organizations navigate the complexities of integrating AI into their operations, the insights provided in this white paper serve as a valuable resource. The full report is accessible on the University of Phoenix Career Institute webpage and the College of Doctoral Studies’ Research Hub, offering a comprehensive guide for leaders seeking to leverage AI for workforce enhancement.
For further information, readers can refer to the detailed findings in the white paper authored by Andrew C. Lawlor and Pamayla E. Darbyshire.
