The University of Phoenix has released a new white paper titled “Leadership Opportunities for Increasing Employee Value through Artificial Intelligence.” Authored by Andrew C. Lawlor, Ph.D., and Pamayla E. Darbyshire, DHA, MSN/CNS, both esteemed Fellows at the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR), the document offers insights into how leaders can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance employee value and address critical skills gaps.
The paper highlights the pressing challenges faced by today’s leaders, including record-low institutional trust and rising employee burnout, with 51% of workers reporting feelings of exhaustion. It reveals that 21% of employees feel they have lost control over their professional futures. The authors argue that thoughtful adoption of AI, particularly generative AI, along with targeted upskilling, can serve as effective strategies to improve both performance and employee experiences.
AI’s Potential for Workforce Transformation
Dr. Lawlor emphasizes that AI’s true value emerges when leaders redesign workflows and invest in employee development. “AI’s value is realized when leaders redesign work and invest in upskilling, so people can move from routine tasks to higher-value responsibilities,” he stated. By combining human development with smart automation, organizations can not only close skills gaps but also enhance overall performance.
The findings in the white paper suggest that AI tools and training are essential for improving workforce efficiency. Research indicates that AI-enabled workflows can lead to performance enhancements exceeding 20%. Generative AI, in particular, is highlighted for its ability to automate non-value-added tasks such as data entry and reporting. This shift allows employees to concentrate on more strategic, creative, and customer-facing activities.
Moreover, the paper outlines how effective leadership practices, including fostering a culture of upskilling and transformational leadership, can mitigate employee burnout while increasing resilience and a sense of career control.
The Economic Implications of AI Adoption
The research also touches on the macroeconomic impact of AI, estimating that it could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. This underscores the urgency for organizations to adopt concrete, people-centered AI strategies.
Darbyshire remarks on the importance of embedding AI literacy and coaching into everyday work. “Embedding AI literacy, coaching, and clear guardrails into everyday work restores a sense of autonomy and reduces burnout,” she noted. Leaders who prioritize training and create environments that encourage responsible AI use are likely to see improvements in employee engagement, confidence, and overall results.
The complete white paper is accessible on the University of Phoenix Career Institute webpage and the College of Doctoral Studies’ Research Hub. For additional details, readers can refer to the document authored by Lawlor and Darbyshire, which can be found at www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/ed … awlor-darbyshire.pdf.
This exploration of AI’s role in leadership and employee development represents a critical step for organizations aiming to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.
