PhD Understanding the Paradoxical Effects of AI on Organisational Performance

The Faculty of Economics and Business offers an inspiring study and working environment for students and employees. International accreditation enables the Faculty to assess performance against the highest international standards. It also creates an exciting environment of continuous improvement. FEB's programmes, academic staff and research do well on various excellence ranking lists.

FEBRI, the graduate school and research institute of the Faculty of Economics and Business, in cooperation with Macquerie University, Australia, has available one PhD position for the project Understanding the Paradoxical Effects of AI on Organisational Performance.

The ideal candidate has:

• Demonstrated understanding of, and strong interest in, the management, governance, and organizational implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Willingness and ability to work effectively in hybrid research environments that combine virtual collaboration with co-located, cross-institutional teamwork.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive attitude toward managing research activities, coordinating with supervisors, and engaging with stakeholders across institutions.

Prior academic research experience (e.g., through a Master’s thesis or research assistantship) is considered a strong advantage, particularly in fields related to innovation management, digital transformation, or organizational studies.

Applicants must not already:

• Hold a doctoral degree; or be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the Partner University, Macquarie University, or another institution.

For Macquarie, also see the English language requirements, and graduate research scholarship eligibility criteria.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises transformative gains for organizations. Yet, evidence shows its effects on performance are paradoxical: while AI can enhance efficiency and productivity, it may also undermine decision quality, legitimacy, and innovation. This research aims to gain insight into the drivers, use, and consequences of AI on organizational performance, and to develop and empirically test a framework that investigates these (potentially) contradictory outcomes. The research will, in particular, be directed at explaining the configurations (task risk/structure, performance-goal coopetition) and contextual drivers (industry, decision frame, governance) that determine outcomes. By integrating paradox theory, innovation management, and AI governance, the project aims to generate insights into how AI can foster productivity and trust while avoiding risks of deskilling, homogenisation, and excessive risk aversion.

At the University of Groningen The PhD position is embedded in the research programme Innovation & Organisation of FEB’s Research Institute.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Thijs Broekhuizen (t.l.j.broekhuizen@rug.nl) and Prof. Babak Abedin (babak.abedin@mq.edu.au). The research involves cross-institutional research aimed at understanding the paradoxical effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on organisational performance. The doctoral project contributes to the universities’ shared strategic priorities of advancing responsible innovation, digital transformation, and ethical AI governance.