📌 Key facts
- What: This thesis explores how leadership shapes employees' adoption of AI in organizations.
- When: Start anytime soon. Applications are open!
- How to apply: Send your CV, transcript of records, and max. 5 sentences why this topic interests you (more details below)
💡 Background
Organizations across industries are increasingly introducing AI-based tools, yet implementation success ultimately depends on whether employees adopt and use these systems in their daily work. Research on technology acceptance has identified a range of individual and contextual factors that drive use, such as perceived usefulness, ease of use, or available support. Much less is known about how these perceptions are formed inside organizations during periods of technological change.
Leaders likely play a central role here. Through how they communicate about AI, model its use, set expectations, and provide resources, they can shape how employees make sense of new tools and whether they integrate them into their work. However, which leadership behaviors matter, through which mechanisms, and under which conditions remains largely open. The thesis leaves room to choose a suitable theoretical lens and method in consultation with the supervisor.
🦾Who We Are
I am a PhD student and Senior Consultant at McKinsey & Company. My research interest lies broadly in the human dimensions of AI, including its adoption, effective use, and its impact on workplace dynamics. I have an educational background in Business and Information Systems Management.
As Chair for Strategy and Organization we are focused on research with impact. This means we do not want to repeat old ideas and base our research solely on the research people did 10 years ago. Instead, we currently research topics that will shape the future such as Quantum/Deep Tech, (Generative) Artifical Intelligence, Digital Transformation and Business Model Innovation, Diversity, Education Technology and Performance Management, Leadership, and Teams. We are always early in noticing trends, technologies, strategies, and organisations that shape the future, which has its ups and downs.
🎓 Profile
- Strong interest in AI, digital transformation, and organizational development
- Reliable, structured, and self-driven working style
- Strong academic record and analytical mindset
📝 How to Apply
If you are interested, please contact Lisa-Maria Schober by submitting your CV, grade report, preferred starting date & short motivation statement (max. 5 sentences) Please also indicate which kind of thesis (= outcome) you are interested in.