Are Knowledge Workers Too Reliant on Generative AI?

A surge in interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been observed among researchers, organizations, and the public in recent times due to its immense capabilities. Particularly, Generative AI (GenAI), has been reshaping the workplaces at an unprecedented pace, and evidence demonstrates knowledge workers’ increasing reliance on GenAI tools. This study aims to explore GenAI reliance at work through two main research questions. First, at individual level, it will investigate the ways knowledge workers exhibit reliance while using GenAI tools in workplaces. It will also explore the strategies knowledge workers use to mitigate potential negative influences arising from excessive reliance on GenAI tools. Second, at organizational level, the study will explore the strategies organizations adopt to guard against GenAI overreliance. Based on findings from interviews with knowledge workers and managers, our study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of GenAI reliance and contribute to the human-computer interaction and knowledge management literature.