AI-augmented Leadership

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

With the rapid development and expanding use of artificial intelligence tools, and other similar emerging technology resources being made available to leaders and managers in the world of public policy, becoming adept at accessing and applying these is both desirable and progressively necessary to enhance a leader’s decision-making, strategic options, communications, data management, and team effectiveness. Leaders can use AI quickly to process large volumes of data, identify trends, evaluate risks and opportunities, and detect biases. Communications can be tailored though AI to acknowledge stakeholder preferences or public sentiment, helping leaders to navigate tone, timing, and content. Real-time feedback loops can be generated to gauge reactions from followers and other stakeholders. The applications of AI and similar technologies also have important limitations. Leaders must learn to understand, manage, and compensate for the absence of moral and ethical judgement capacities within AI, as well as addressing and being continuously vigilant to the serious ethical implications of AI use, especially in areas concerning privacy, surveillance, job automation, and accountability. Ultimately, leaders will need to learn that AI is a tool in service of a broader public policy mission, whether that centers on improving equity, innovation, sustainability – all in service to advancing the public good.