Article Details
  • Published Online:
    June  2026
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of Effective Executive
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJEE010626
  • DOI:
    10.71329/EffectiveExecutive/2026.29.2.5-12
  • Author Name:
    Stephanie Jones and Anna Marcon
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Management
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    5-12
Volume 29, Issue 2, April-June 2026
The Future of Work: Emerging Trends in the AI Era
Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now widely discussed in many organizations in both the public and private sectors, with a view to not just improving efficiency by changing processes but how to align with strategies and values. In this paper, drawn from recent research, the authors consider the benefits and challenges of AI implementation and scale-up in a variety of businesses. What are the risks to businesses and to individuals? Case studies in retail, banking, information technology and in education are examined, including positive and negative results. What is the role of leadership, pre- and post-AI implementation? The many practical limitations of AI, particularly around adoption and impact, stem not from the technology itself, rather from organizational implementation, context and challenges. As highlighted in the existing industry and business research, often the difficulty lies in embedding AI into workflows and successfully scaling it across the organization. There is much scope for further study.

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI (GenAI), currently occupies a prominent place in both professional and public discourse. AI is increasingly reshaping how businesses are created and scaled, not