IBM study reveals gap in AI oversight skills between leaders and staff

A global study by the IBM Institute for Business Value and Oxford Economics reveals a significant disconnect between leadership and employees regarding AI-related competencies. The research, which surveyed 1,500 CHROs across 21 geographies and 8,800 employees in 28 countries, highlights a gap in perceived priorities.

While 71% of HR executives identify the ability to supervise, validate, and override AI outputs as a critical priority, only 29% of employees recognize the importance of this judgment. This discrepancy suggests a misunderstanding of evolving job roles as automation increases.

Furthermore, 60% of employees expressed concern that continuous use of digital technologies is eroding their cognitive abilities, specifically critical thinking. HR leaders also identified the weakening of team skills as a major concern, with 57% prioritizing critical thinking and 48% emphasizing human judgment as essential skills for the future workforce.