📌 Key facts
- What: This master thesis is part of a mixed-methods research project on AI adoption in the public sector. Based on existing interviews, the thesis derives hypotheses and carries out a quantitative survey on how public sector employees experience and use AI
- When: Start anytime soon. Applications are open!
- How to apply: Send your CV, transcript of records, and max. 5 sentences why this topic interests you (more details below)
- 📌 Key facts
- 💡 Background
- 🦾Who We Are
- 🎯 Topics of Interest and Potential Outcomes
- 🎓 Profile
- 📝 How to Apply
💡 Background
Public sector organisations are increasingly experimenting with AI-based tools. Beyond technical and organisational questions, AI adoption is strongly shaped by psychological mechanisms: how employees see their professional role and identity, how strongly they rely on their own experience and judgement, and how they react when AI-based recommendations contradict their beliefs. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for explaining why AI is embraced, ignored or resisted in everyday public sector work.
🦾Who We Are
I am a PhD student and Senior Consultant at McKinsey & Company. My research interest lies broadly in the human dimensions of AI, including its adoption, effective use, and its impact on workplace dynamics. I have an educational background in Business and Information Systems Management.
As Chair for Strategy and Organization we are focused on research with impact. This means we do not want to repeat old ideas and base our research solely on the research people did 10 years ago. Instead, we currently research topics that will shape the future such as Quantum/Deep Tech, (Generative) Artifical Intelligence, Digital Transformation and Business Model Innovation, Diversity, Education Technology and Performance Management, Leadership, and Teams. We are always early in noticing trends, technologies, strategies, and organisations that shape the future, which has its ups and downs.
🎯 Topics of Interest and Potential Outcomes
- Factors that influence the adoption and practical use of AI tools in public sector work
- The role of professional identity in shaping openness or resistance towards AI
- Belief perseverance and trust in one’s own judgement when AI-based recommendations differ
🎓 Profile
- Fluency in German
- Strong interest in AI, digital transformation, and organizational development
- Reliable, structured, and self-driven working style
- Strong academic record and analytical mindset
📝 How to Apply
If you are interested, please contact Lisa-Maria Schober by submitting your CV, grade report, preferred starting date & short motivation statement (max. 5 sentences) Please also indicate which kind of thesis (= outcome) you are interested in.