78% of Middle East Workers Think GenAI is Worth the Risks

Last updated on July 7th, 2023 at 07:08 am

Businesses are changing quickly in the Middle East thanks to the new generation of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools like GPT-4 and DALL-E. The region’s workers are upbeat about how AI, and generative AI in particular, will impact their jobs. However, according to recent research from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) with a survey that examined the potential impact of AI on the workplace, sentiments differ significantly by seniority and by country.

The study, titled AI at Work:

What People Are Saying, is the result of a survey of more than 12,800 workers from the executive suite to the front lines across industries in 18 different countries, including 1,126 from the Middle East. Given the ambitious national AI strategies of Gulf nations, which emphasize the value of AI in promoting economic diversification, improving public services, and developing a skilled workforce, this regional focus is especially pertinent. For instance, the UAE is anticipated to experience the largest Al impact in 2030, accounting for nearly 14% of GDP, with Dubai opening an AI center in an effort to become a hub for the $111 billion sector.

According to Elias Baltassis, Partner & Director at BCG X, “The Middle East is emerging as a global frontrunner in embracing AI technologies, with employees realizing the potential for AI to transform their jobs and drive economic growth.” However, the survey findings also show that a sizeable portion of respondents think AI will harm their jobs, which emphasizes the need for efficient risk management plans and sensible regulations. The region can ensure that the technology is used responsibly and sustainably, ultimately assisting in the region’s long-term growth and development, by finding the right balance between utilizing Al’s benefits and reducing its risks.

Depending on where you are, different people may feel differently about AI in the workplace. 

The Middle East offers a largely upbeat outlook on Al’s effects on the workplace. Optimism was ranked as one of the top two emotions by 58% of respondents from the region, while concern was expressed by only 25% of them. With Brazil (71%) and India (60%), the Middle East is one of the top three regions in terms of Al’s influence on the workplace.

The majority of respondents in the region (84%) think that AI will probably change their job. Furthermore, 60% of respondents believe that AI will probably harm their ability to do their job. Despite these worries, a resounding 78% of respondents are certain that GenAI will bring more benefits than risks.

However, there is a strong desire for risk management to go along with this optimism. It is crucial to strike a balance between embracing the potential benefits of AI and making sure that its risks are effectively managed through appropriate regulations. A significant 76% of all respondents think that AI-specific regulations are necessary, underscoring the significance of doing so.

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Three main suggestions are provided in the report for leaders as they guide their organizations through the AI revolution:

Only if they are confident that their employer is committed to acting ethically will employees be willing to accept AI in the workplace. Three main suggestions are provided in the report for leaders as they guide their organizations through the AI revolution:

Make sure there is room for ethical AI experimentation. Employees’ technological comfort levels are essential, and the more frequently they use GenAI and AI, the more they understand its advantages as well as its risks and limitations.

Invest in ongoing skill development. Organizations cannot approach upskilling as a one-time effort given the speed at which technology is developing. They must spend money on training so that workers can be successful in their changing roles and get ready for changes in the workplace.

Building a responsible AI program is a top priority because leaders want to be able to shape new regulations for AI and because employees want direction and assurance that their organizations are approaching GenAI and AI ethically.

Leaders Should Know-

Only if they are confident that their employer is committed to acting ethically will employees be willing to accept AI in the workplace. Three main suggestions are provided in the report for leaders as they guide their organizations through the AI revolution:

Make sure there is room for ethical Al experimentation. Employees’ technological comfort levels are essential, and the more frequently they use GenAI and AI, the more they understand its advantages as well as its risks and limitations.

Invest in ongoing skill development. Organizations cannot approach upskilling as a one-time effort given the speed at which technology is developing. They must spend money on training so that workers can be successful in their changing roles and get ready for changes in the workplace.

Building a responsible AI program is a top priority because leaders want to be able to shape new regulations for AI and because employees want direction and assurance that their organizations are approaching GenAI and AI ethically.

Companies must prioritize transparency and accountability in their AI systems if they want to achieve responsible AI. This entails making sure that their algorithms are devoid of prejudice and discrimination, and that they are applied in ways that are consistent with moral standards, according to Elias Baltassis. It also entails giving employees the resources they need to comprehend and interact with these systems, as well as clear explanations of how AI is used. Additionally, businesses must be prepared to make changes as needed and proactive in addressing any issues or concerns that may arise from the use of AI. Companies can benefit from this technology, build trust with their stakeholders and employees, and help create a more just and equitable society by prioritizing responsible AI. 

To assist Middle Eastern clients and partners in utilizing next-generation AI solutions for beneficial impact and competitive advantage, BCG is opening a Centre for Responsible Generative AI. This initiative focuses on upskilling talent, fostering innovation, and accelerating the region’s overall economic and societal development. It seeks to improve operations, efficiency, and growth opportunities.