Paper Number
ECIS2026-2774
Paper Type
CRP
Abstract
As organizations increasingly embed AI systems into work routines, leaders play a crucial role in supporting meaningful appropriation. Yet little is known about how leaders’ AI literacy shapes this appropriation process and how it relates to established leadership behaviors. Drawing on a multiple–case study of a Colombian financial cooperative and a German insurance company, this study contributes to an understanding of how leaders’ AI literacy extends far beyond technical proficiency. Leaders who understand, contextualize, and ethically evaluate algorithmic outputs are better able to translate AI insights into meaningful guidance and shared sensemaking. Data analysis showed that AI literacy was a key factor in being able to lead AI appropriation well. AI-literate leaders systematically reduced complexity, fostered trust, and encouraged experimentation, resulting in AI appropriation within their teams. The study contributes empirical evidence on the pivotal role of AI literacy in enabling leaders to guide successful AI appropriation.
Recommended Citation
Forero, Carlos Andrés; Ergün, Ali; Baer, Manfred; Plattfaut, Ralf; and Richter, Alexander, "The Role Of Leader'S Ai Literacy When Appropriating Ai" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 16.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/digitrans/digitrans/16
The Role Of Leader'S Ai Literacy When Appropriating Ai
As organizations increasingly embed AI systems into work routines, leaders play a crucial role in supporting meaningful appropriation. Yet little is known about how leaders’ AI literacy shapes this appropriation process and how it relates to established leadership behaviors. Drawing on a multiple–case study of a Colombian financial cooperative and a German insurance company, this study contributes to an understanding of how leaders’ AI literacy extends far beyond technical proficiency. Leaders who understand, contextualize, and ethically evaluate algorithmic outputs are better able to translate AI insights into meaningful guidance and shared sensemaking. Data analysis showed that AI literacy was a key factor in being able to lead AI appropriation well. AI-literate leaders systematically reduced complexity, fostered trust, and encouraged experimentation, resulting in AI appropriation within their teams. The study contributes empirical evidence on the pivotal role of AI literacy in enabling leaders to guide successful AI appropriation.