Navigating the automation–augmentation paradox : a case study of artificial intelligence integration in public management functions

Pevcin, Primož (avtor), Hržica, Rok (avtor), Debelak, Katja (avtor)

The application and utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have increased recently in all organizations, including those in the public sector. From an organizational perspective, AI utilization should generate both economic and social gains. In this context, it is necessary to address the automation-augmentation paradox. Namely, this paradox stems from the question of whether AI replaces humans in performing tasks (i.e., automation) or whether the application of AI necessitates an increase in AI-human interactions (i.e., augmentation). The starting point of the research is the POSDCORB framework, which delineates the core functions of a manager and offers a classical perspective on their administrative responsibilities. AI shall increasingly transform the POSDCORB framework by streamlining management functions and enhancing decision-making accuracy. The main research question is what can be automated using AI for management functions, and what requires augmentation between AI and humans for these functions? To assess AI’s impact on POSDCORB managerial functions in public sector organizations, the study uses both qualitative and quantitative data sources, enhancing validity through data triangulation. The research findings indicate that AI’s impact varies across management functions, with public managers particularly preferring augmentation for strategic planning tasks, coordination, reporting, and potential dynamic financial adjustments. Finally, public managers’ report ongoing tension due to a tendency to switch between automation and augmentation as tasks evolve.

• Jezik: Angleški jezik
• Ključne besede: artificial intelligence, automation–augmentation paradox, management functions, principal-agent theory, technology acceptance frameworks
• Vrsta gradiva: Članek v reviji
• Tipologija: 1.01 - Izvirni znanstveni članek
• Organizacija: FU - Fakulteta za upravo
• Status publikacije: Objavljeno
• Različica publikacije: Objavljena publikacija
• Datum objave: 01.12.2025
• Leto izida: 2025
• Št. strani: Str. 106-135
• Številčenje: Vol. 18, iss. 2
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-177275
• UDK: 330.1:005:35
• ISSN pri članku: 1338-4309
• DOI: 10.2478/nispa-2025-0016
• COBISS.SI-ID: 262251779
• Datum objave v RUL: 19.12.2025

Gradivo je del revije

• Naslov: NISPAcee journal of public administration and policy
• Skrajšan naslov: NISPAcee j. publi. adm. policy
• Založnik: NISPAcee
• ISSN: 1338-4309
• COBISS.SI-ID: 520037913

Licence

• Licenca: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, Creative Commons Priznanje avtorstva-Nekomercialno-Brez predelav 4.0 Mednarodna
• Povezava: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.sl
• Opis: Najbolj omejujoča licenca Creative Commons. Uporabniki lahko prenesejo in delijo delo v nekomercialne namene in ga ne smejo uporabiti za nobene druge namene.

Sekundarni jezik

• Jezik: Slovenski jezik
• Ključne besede: umetna inteligenca, paradoks avtomatizacije–augmentacije, funkcije managementa, teorija principal–agent, okviri sprejemanja tehnologije

Projekti

• Financer: ARIS - Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
• Številka projekta: P5-0093
• Naslov: Razvoj sistema učinkovite in uspešne javne uprave

• Financer: ARIS - Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije
• Naslov: Vpliv demografskih sprememb in umetne inteligence na trg dela v javnem sektorju