Why Generative AI? Reasons to Embrace the AI Renaissance

As a technology enthusiast and an instructor of technology, I have always been motivated to understand the “Why” behind introducing new technologies to my students, colleagues and clients. Inspired by Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why,” this approach has guided me well in shaping my teaching strategies. If you are familiar with the business world, we also like to call it “the value proposition”. 

In the business school, we are tasked with training the future leaders of the corporate world. For that reason, we don’t simply adopt every new technology unless there is solid evidence that it will have a lasting impact on the business landscape. To answer the “Why” behind generative AI and to determine whether it’s more than just a passing trend, we reached out to industry leaders and academics to gain insights into its future in business. This exploration helped us assess whether generative AI will truly transform industries and justify its place in the curriculum.

Key Takeaways from Conversations with Academics and Industry Leaders

AI is Here to Stay in the Business World

Generative AI is becoming a cornerstone of modern business operations. By 2026, it’s estimated that 70% of businesses will be using some form of generative AI. AI technology has been around us, embedded in tools like Siri, Alexa, autocorrect, and navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze. 

While AI has been quietly shaping our daily lives, the rise of generative AI is different — it’s now capable of creating entirely new content. This shift is transforming industries and job roles, which makes understanding and using AI crucial for future business professionals.

AI’s Purpose is to Increase Productivity, Not to Replace Jobs

A common fear surrounding AI is its potential to replace jobs. However, research and business trends suggest that AI will mostly augment human workers by handling repetitive tasks, freeing people to focus on high-value, creative, and customer-facing roles. 

“AI’s ability to offload mundane tasks allows workers to spend more time problem-solving, innovating, and interacting with clients — things that truly matter in business to create value,” said Jessica Mitsch, Cofounder of Momentum/Business Developer, Vaco.  “Generative AI will enhance a significant part of the business value chain, from customer service to finance and supply chain management.”

Future Business Professionals Must Lead the Way in Evaluating AI Implementations

To be successful in the future, business students must be familiar with generative AI. This means not just knowing what the technology can do, but also where its limitations lie. As Teaching Assistant Professor Sarah Egan Warren stated, “Knowing where AI falls apart is just as important as knowing where it can be used well.” 

By experimenting with AI tools, students will gain insights into how these systems generate ideas, increase efficiency, and assist across multiple business functions. It is they who will be responsible for sharing the future of this technology. 

Effective AI Use Centers on Critical Thinking Abilities

While generative AI can assist with many tasks, it’s essential for students to approach it responsibly. Cutting and pasting answers generated by AI without critical evaluation is not a productive use of the technology. 

Instead, students must learn to question AI outputs, recognizing that they may provide an answer, but not necessarily the answer. This approach will ensure students continue to develop essential skills in critical and creative thinking—skills that AI can’t replace. That is where the role of instructors comes into play, to facilitate this crucial training of human-computing collaboration. 

A Fusion of Technology and Interpersonal Skills is Vital

As AI becomes more embedded in business, people skills and human-centric abilities will become even more important. AI may automate certain tasks, but humans will remain key to digital transformation in organizations. Future business leaders will need a blend of human and technical skills to succeed, making it important for educators to emphasize both in the classroom.

Be on the Leading Edge of Change

Generative AI is on track to become as common as email — an indispensable tool in every business professional’s toolkit. “This technology will become like water for us. It’s something we are all going to be using,” Mitsch explained.

Therefore, it is crucial for educators to encourage students to experiment with these tools, even if they are not perfect yet. By familiarizing students with generative AI now, educators can ensure they are well-prepared to navigate the business world of tomorrow. 

At the same time, this technology enables educators to closely examine the “key takeaways” for their students and design innovative learning experiences around them, encouraging the safe and responsible use of generative AI. 

The bottom line is, by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to use AI responsibly, educators can ensure they flourish in the AI-driven future.

Want to learn more about how to incorporate AI into your course content?

Register for DELTA’s Dialogues in Digital Learning: AI Literacy workshop on Oct. 30 from 3-4 p.m.