Contrasting Cultural Perspectives in Colombia and the United States

Abstract

This study examines the perspectives of managers from two different cultures, the United States and Colombia, on the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workplace. It focuses on organizational cultural adjustment and the protection of core values while enabling AI deployment. As organizations continue to integrate AI as a disruptive component of their operations, both the demand for change and the protection of organizational values and culture should be balanced. A conceptual model was developed based on broad organizational change and technological intervention theories. The study relied on a quantitative approach and used surveys as the main method. The research questions were framed from the perspective of middle managers who cope with issues arising from the implementation of new technologies. Their insights are a valuable guide to policy makers and organizational leaders on how to understand the dynamics of cultural change and innovation deployment. Most respondents did not express major concerns regarding AI’s potential to invade privacy. Interestingly, the Colombian group was less concerned with privacy than the US group, and their level of trust in top management was higher. The main conclusion of the study points to the need to formulate implementation and adaptation strategies that increase organizational benefits while mitigating potential cultural drawbacks. When seeking efficiency and effectiveness, organization leadership needs to preserve core cultural values. Although the study used perceptual rather than objective measures, the perceptions of organization members are important to understand the dynamics of culture and change.