University of Bath Study Warns AI Could Undermine Managerial Judgment

Bath, UK – September 5, 2026

Over-reliance on generative artificial intelligence could erode managers' ability to exercise sound judgment and moral reasoning in the workplace, according to new research from the University of Bath.

The study, published in the Academy of Management Review, examines how Gen-AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping what academics call "managerial phronesis" — the practical wisdom that managers develop through experience, reflection, and human interaction.

The Problem of Epistemic Deskilling

Researchers from the University of Bath, Ohio State University, the University of Lausanne, and Cardiff University identified a concerning phenomenon: "epistemic deskilling." This occurs when individuals gradually lose knowledge-related capabilities because they outsource too much thinking to AI systems.

The risk is highest when managers face intense time pressure and treat Gen-AI as a shortcut rather than a thoughtful tool. In such situations, they may stop asking critical questions, seeking diverse perspectives, or learning from direct interactions with employees and customers.

"Gen-AI appeals because it can help people complete tasks more quickly," said Professor Dirk Lindebaum of the University of Bath School of Management. "However, Gen-AI cannot replace the lessons learned through firsthand experience. Unlike humans, AI does not experience the world, understand the consequences of decisions, or grasp the social and emotional complexities in our workplaces."

Practical Wisdom at Risk

Managerial phronesis — Aristotle's concept of practical wisdom applied to organizational leadership — requires contextual understanding that AI systems lack. When managers depend heavily on AI-generated answers, they risk losing the ability to anticipate how decisions will play out in complex human environments.

"The study suggests that as managers increasingly outsource their thinking to Gen-AI for idea generation or when practical problems arise, they may rely less on their own judgment," Lindebaum explained. "Over time, this could reduce their ability to learn from experience, think critically, and anticipate what kinds of actions are needed now to meet future goals."

A Path Forward: Epistemic Upskilling

The researchers also explored how Gen-AI could potentially strengthen rather than weaken managerial judgment. They proposed a concept called "epistemic upskilling," where managers use AI outputs as catalysts for deeper reflection rather than accepting them at face value.

Rather than treating Gen-AI as a replacement for thinking, managers can use it to challenge assumptions, explore alternative perspectives, and test different approaches to complex problems. The key lies in maintaining human oversight and critical engagement throughout the decision-making process.

Implications for Organizations

The findings carry significant implications for businesses rushing to integrate generative AI into their management practices. Organizations may need to reconsider how they train leaders on AI tools and establish clearer guardrails for when and how these technologies should be used.

"In these situations, managers may stop asking important questions, seeking different perspectives, or learning from real-world interactions. Instead of developing a nuanced understanding of employees, customers, or organizational challenges, they may come to depend on AI-generated answers that lack the context and moral judgment needed for complex decisions," Lindebaum said.

The study calls for more research into how organizations can harness the efficiency benefits of Gen-AI while preserving the critical thinking skills that effective management requires. This may involve redesigning workflows to ensure human oversight remains central to complex decisions and investing in training programs that strengthen rather than replace human judgment capabilities.

Source: Academy of Management Review, September 5, 2026. University of Bath press release, September 5, 2026.