Paper Type
ERF
Abstract
This paper critically examines the application of agency theory to the human-AI relationship within the field of information systems research. It argues that foundational assumptions of agency theory—namely, the existence of free will and the capacity for responsibility—are frequently overlooked when scholars apply this theory to AI systems. By exploring the ontological limitations of attributing agency to AI, the paper highlights the philosophical, ethical, legal, and social dilemmas that arise from misapplying a theory originally developed for human and organizational contexts. Through a review of influential literature and a discussion of the resulting category errors, the work underscores the risks of misunderstanding AI's nature and the concept of responsibility. The paper calls for greater scholarly attention to the underlying assumptions of agency theory and outlines future directions for more nuanced research on the human-AI relationship and the attribution of responsibility in socio-technical systems.
Paper Number
1181
Recommended Citation
Vaezi, Reza, "Rethinking Agency Theory: Limitations and Challenges in the Human-AI Relationship" (2026). AMCIS 2026 Proceedings. 1.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2026/sig_phil/sig_phil/1
Rethinking Agency Theory: Limitations and Challenges in the Human-AI Relationship
This paper critically examines the application of agency theory to the human-AI relationship within the field of information systems research. It argues that foundational assumptions of agency theory—namely, the existence of free will and the capacity for responsibility—are frequently overlooked when scholars apply this theory to AI systems. By exploring the ontological limitations of attributing agency to AI, the paper highlights the philosophical, ethical, legal, and social dilemmas that arise from misapplying a theory originally developed for human and organizational contexts. Through a review of influential literature and a discussion of the resulting category errors, the work underscores the risks of misunderstanding AI's nature and the concept of responsibility. The paper calls for greater scholarly attention to the underlying assumptions of agency theory and outlines future directions for more nuanced research on the human-AI relationship and the attribution of responsibility in socio-technical systems.
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