The feasibility of artificial intelligence performing as CEO: the vizier-shah theory

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the feasibility of artificial intelligence (AI) performing as chief executive officer (CEO) in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors followed an explorative research design – classic grounded theory methodology. The authors conducted face-to-face interviews with 27 participants that were selected according to theoretical sampling. The sample consisted of academics from the fields of AI, philosophy and management; experts and artists performing in the field of AI and professionals from the business world.

Findings

As a result of the grounded theory process “The Vizier-Shah Theory” emerged. The theory consisted of five theoretical categories: narrow AI, hard problems, debates, solutions and AI-CEO. The category “AI as a CEO” introduces four futuristic AI-CEO models.

Originality/value

This study introduces an original theory that explains the evolution process of narrow AI to AI-CEO. The theory handles the issue from an interdisciplinary perspective by following an exploratory research design – classic grounded theory and provides insights for future research.

Citation

Ünal, A. and Kılınç, İ. (2021), "The feasibility of artificial intelligence performing as CEO: the vizier-shah theory", Foresight, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp. 698-723. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-02-2021-0048