Harnessing Human and Artificial Intelligence for Firm Resilience: Developing a Preliminary Conceptual Framework

Abstract

business world, while firm resilience has emerged as a crucial meta-capability for navigating major exogenous shocks and temporary competitive advantages. Purpose of the paper. In this paper, we explore how AI can be leveraged to enhance firm resilience, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping resilience. Methodology. We propose a conceptual framework drawing on AI literature, which conceptualizes the human-AI interplay in terms of automation and augmentation. Additionally, we build on the taxonomy proposed by Conz and Magnani (2020), identifying six core micro-capabilities underlying firm resilience: redundancy, robustness, agility, flexibility, adaptability, and resourcefulness. By disentangling AI’s role in shaping each micro-capability, we present a conceptual framework that highlights AI’s role in fostering resilience. Results. We develop a preliminary conceptual framework that appraises AI’s role in each of the micro-capabilities identified by Conz and Magnani (2020). This framework advances AI research by assessing the impact of both human intelligence and AI on firm resilience. Furthermore, this paper offers a novel perspective on the antecedents of firm resilience, complementing existing multi-level and multi-theoretical approaches. Research limitations. Since our paper is conceptual, empirical testing is necessary to validate its practical applicability across various industries. Managerial implications. By clarifying AI’s role in shaping firm resilience, we provide managers with insights into AI’s potential. Originality of the paper. We adopt a dialectical approach to examine AI capabilities and strategies in the formation of firm resilience. Specifically, the originality of this paper lies in disentangling the automation, augmentation, and human-centricity spaces that emerge in the development of firm resilience.