A study of the impact of generative AI on managerial decision making

This study shows that GenAI is already influencing managerial work, particularly where decisions depend on reading, synthesizing, and communicating large amounts of information. Within our sample, the strongest observed benefit is higher perceived decision confidence and analytical depth when GenAI is used for synthesis and drafting (H2 supported). In contrast, GenAI usage frequency alone did not show a measurable relationship with perceived decision speed (H1 not supported). These results suggest that adoption intensity is not sufficient by itself; the value managers perceive depends on how GenAI is applied to decision-relevant tasks. The study also highlights a condition for sustainable value: responsible use. Because managers remain accountable for outcomes, organizations need practical support such as AI literacy programs, clear guidance on data handling, and Human-in-the-Loop checkpoints for high-impact outputs. This recommendation is consistent with risk management and governance guidance that emphasizes accountability, privacy safeguards, and traceability for trustworthy AI use (NIST, 2023; IBM Institute for Business Value, 2023). In summary, the evidence from this research supports treating GenAI as a capability that strengthens decision preparation and managerial communication rather than as an autonomous decision-maker. When combined with verification habits, privacy safeguards, and clear accountability, managers can use GenAI to improve the quality of decision inputs without weakening governance.

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