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SAMKIN Project: the collaboration of knowledge workers with AI
As more and more organisations are using Artificial Intelligence (AI), an increasing number of employees have to deal with the (possible) collaboration with AI in their work. Previously mainly blue-collar workers experienced consequences of technological breakthroughs as routine tasks were automated. Nowadays, highly skilled (knowledge) workers are also increasingly exposed to AI technology. Their work is automated and/or supported, work activities can improve, and staff shortages can be reduced.
Research to date has predominantly focused on the technological capabilities of AI and its (negative) impact on work and workers. The experiences of knowledge workers and the impact on their work are still relatively unknown. However, this knowledge is necessary to gain a better understanding of how to work with AI and thus to understand the role AI plays in knowledge work and its consequences. The aim of this research project therefore was to study these experiences and the consequences for knowledge workers. The central research question was: “How do knowledge workers experience working with AI technology in their daily work and in what ways does AI technology shape their work practices and the organisation of work?”
We answered this research question based on a combination of sub-projects, consisting of a literature review and four empirical qualitative case studies (an Investigative Service, two Hospitals, and a University). Based on the literature review, we outline what is currently known about the experiences of knowledge workers with regard to working AI technologies, and how this changes their work. The qualitative research focuses on four organisations where AI is developed and/or used, where we conducted a total of over 80 interviews, complemented by observations and document analysis. At three of these organisations, we spoke to both developers of the AI technology and users, at one organisation only to end users.
The full report (in Dutch) and other deliverables can be found here. The final report is in Dutch, but the Podcast series (see below) about the research project is in English. The results show that developing and using AI in daily work practices involves a multitude of challenges, which on the one hand shape employees' work experiences and on the other are related to changes in the organisation of work.
Furhat project: Studying AI with AI in Academia
Using AI to understand AI in academia:
Exploring AI practices in and AI experiences of academics with Furhat
Introduction
The overall aim of this research project is to further our knowledge of AI technologies in academic practices. More specifically, we aim to gain a more profound understanding of:
(1) The (possible) use of AI in academic practices of research and teaching; and
(2) The AI experiences of academic professionals in using AI in these research and teaching practices.
We focus both on the actual use and possible uses of AI technologies in academic practices. Exploring the possible use of AI in the academic practices of research and teaching means that we not only focus on the possibilities and threats of working with the technology, like its advantages, disadvantages, challenges and/or improvements but more importantly, on the changes in the research and teaching practices resulting from working with the AI technology.
Furhat Research Report - Studying AI with AI in academia
Deliverables & Output
The SAMKIN research project has resulted in the following outputs:
The SAMKIN final report – which is in Dutch and has an English summary
The SAMKIN praktische handreiking – in Dutch and focused on policymakers and (HR) managers. Dit rapport is gericht op beleidsmakers en (HR) managers om inzichten op de doen hoe de samenwerking tussen kenniswerkers en AI kan worden georganiseerd.
With a link to the website of the project at Institute Gak: https://www.instituutgak.nl/onderzoek/onderzoeken/samkin-ervaringen-met-samenwerken-met-kunstmatige-intelligentie-in-de-praktijk/
Article in PW: Samenwerken met kunstmatige intelligentie - hoe het werk(en) met AI verandert (pwnet.nl)
(only available in Dutch).
The SAMKIN Podcast mini-series (in English)
We have used (Generative) AI to generate a Podcast mini-series about our research project, including five episodes designed to communicate our findings to a broader audience in English. The episodes were created using Google’s NotebookLM app. While AI offers a dynamic way of sharing insights, it is crucial to note that it can sometimes produce mistakes, and our mini-series includes a few instances of these so-called “AI hallucinations” or errors. For reliable details, please refer to the full research report [link] or Practical Guide [link]. However, for an engaging introduction to our work, feel free to listen to the episodes below:
· Episode 1: Introducing the SAMKIN report: [episode 1 upload: audio-file]
· Episode 2: Case study 1: Inspection Services [follows later]
· Episode 3: Case study 2: Neurology department [follows later]
· Episode 4: Case study 3: ENT department [follows later]
· Episode 5: Case study 4: University [follows later]
Note: As with all Generative AI outputs, these Podcast episodes include errors! Please don’t rely on them for research purposes!