As businesses increasingly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their workflows, a study from Florida Atlantic University highlights how managers can adapt to this shift. The research shows that a manager’s attitude toward risk plays a key role in how they delegate tasks to AI, the types of AI systems they choose, and the risks they are willing to accept.
“To use AI effectively, managers must be prepared to give up some control,” the researchers explain. “Different management styles influence how much autonomy managers are comfortable delegating to AI and the kind of systems they are likely to invest in. The challenge lies in generating value from decisions made by AI.”
Management Styles and AI Investment
The study identifies three types of managers based on their approach to decision-making:
- Projective Managers: Future-focused, open to experimentation, and eager to adopt innovative solutions.
- Iterative Managers: Past-focused, prioritizing established routines and predictable outcomes.
- Practical Evaluative Managers: Focused on immediate needs, striking a balance between innovation and routine.
Future-oriented managers are more likely to embrace advanced AI systems capable of autonomous learning and decision-making, ranging from augmented AI (which works alongside humans) to automated AI (which fully replaces human actions). Conversely, risk-averse managers may prefer simpler, predictable AI systems that allow them to retain control over key decisions.
Finding the Right Balance
The type of AI a manager chooses depends on how much control they are willing to relinquish, their goals for value creation, and their comfort with risk. Advanced systems that can learn and adapt independently offer greater potential but also require managers to surrender some agency—something that may feel threatening to those who prefer a more hands-on approach.
“Managers must weigh the benefits of innovation against the risks of reduced control,” the authors conclude. “The right investment in AI depends on understanding their own management style and how it aligns with the needs of their business.”





