GenAI

Pre-Stages of GenAI Governance via Managerial Communication

Pre-Stages of GenAI Governance via Managerial Communication

Exploratory findings from SMEs in the Ruhr area
Niklas Obermann ORCID Icon, Uta Wilkens ORCID Icon, Antonia Weirich ORCID Icon, Matthias E. Cichon ORCID Icon, Jürgen Mazarov, Bernd Kuhlenkötter ORCID Icon
The governance of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) usage is often described as a formalized reporting system. This neglects the early-stage mechanisms of coping with ethical challenges during the GenAI implementation period. Exploratory empirical findings from the Ruhr area reveal that managerial communicative practices serve as a substitute for missing institutional structures, particularly at an early stage of GenAI implementation in SMEs.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 42 | Edition 1 | Pages 6-13 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.26.1.6
I4S 5/2025: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Assistance

I4S 5/2025: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Assistance

How we can better support work
Demographic change, skills shortages, and stagnating productivity are threatening the competitiveness of German industry. At the same time, AI and digital assistance systems are opening up new opportunities: they make work more efficient and support skilled workers. But while they have long been part of everyday life, their potential in industry remains largely untapped—this is where this issue comes in with innovative concepts.
Mechanisms of GenAI Governance

Mechanisms of GenAI Governance

A case study on the responsible use of GenAI in organizations
Niklas Obermann ORCID Icon, Daniel Lupp ORCID Icon, Uta Wilkens ORCID Icon
Compared to traditional AI systems, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) introduces user-dependent characteristics that create unique challenges for AI governance in organizations. These challenges are particularly tied to human factors, such as employee attitude, awareness, and skills, which are often neglected by existing governance frameworks. This qualitative case study examines how a manufacturing organization implemented GenAI governance mechanisms to foster the responsible use of this technology. The findings reveal that organizations should adopt a holistic approach, combining structural, procedural, and relational mechanisms to address employee-related aspects of GenAI governance. As a result, this study contributes to the growing field of GenAI governance and provides practical insights for its responsible use in organizations.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 41 | 2025 | Edition 5 | Pages 58-64 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.25.5.58