In a compelling piece authored by Ethan Mollick, a professor at Wharton, he provides an insightful overview that delves into the transformative impact of AI on the realm of management consulting. The study explored how artificial intelligence impacts management consultants and their work.
Researchers ran experiments where some consultants used AI tools like ChatGPT and others didn’t. They found AI can act as a “skill leveler” – less experienced consultants improved the most with AI assistance.
The AI augmented their research capabilities, data analysis, and report writing. But overreliance on AI also led to more mistakes.
The researchers concluded that neither consultants nor AI alone did the best work. Instead, the optimal approach was consultants acting as “centaurs” or “cyborgs.”
This meant strategically combining human critical thinking and AI capabilities. Consultants leveraged AI for menial tasks and data analysis, while providing oversight and high-level judgment.
Consultants leveraged AI for menial tasks and data analysis, while providing oversight and high-level judgment.
For example, the consultants would frame objectives, generate hypotheses, and determine methodology. The AI assistant would quickly compile relevant research papers, run data analytics, and produce report drafts.
Then consultants applied discretion to refine arguments, customize recommendations, and communicate findings.
These findings have broad implications for how AI will transform various white-collar jobs. AI stands to augment productivity and quality by automating rote work.
But we must remain vigilant against becoming over dependent on AI, which can propagate biases and errors without human supervision. Workers across domains will need to figure out how to best collaborate with increasingly capable AI.
The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT makes this shift imminent. Workers should proactively look for ways to integrate AI into their workflows rather than resisting change.
But we must emphasize developing uniquely human skills like creativity, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. By embracing the combined strengths of both man and machine, the future of work can thrive.
