Artificial Intelligence (AI) and managerial work: between illusion and disenchantment

Abstract

The current developments of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are part of the framework of the constant capitalist processes of work automation. Until now, this was considered an alternative to supply not only execution labour but also some conception of highly qualified labour. However, the managerial labour of the C-level did not see AI as a threat given that its inherent activities, i.e., decision making and workforce mobilization, seemed impossible to be replaced by artificial devices. In this article, we reflect that at discursively it is spread increasingly the idea that AI could also replace this type of labour. We consider it relevant to pay attention to this situation because we see it as a current example of the tensions between capital and labour, even when this latter is responsibility of actors who have a privileged place in it. In order to do so, we will focus on considering the capabilities assigned to managerial labour and AI and the disenchantment that arises from contrasting them with a critical analysis of their supposed potential. We will base our analysis on secondary sources and will rehearse reflections derived from the investigations carried out.