KEDGE Enterprise College has printed new analysis suggesting that synthetic intelligence is already reshaping administration follow, however {that a} robust generational divide is rising in how leaders use the know-how. The findings come from an OpinionWay survey carried out in October 2025 amongst managers, and level to youthful leaders adopting AI at a considerably sooner tempo than their older counterparts. Whereas AI instruments comparable to ChatGPT at the moment are broadly used throughout the occupation, the research means that managers beneath 40 are much more more likely to combine AI into day-to-day management selections, whereas older managers stay extra cautious and selective.
Based on the survey, 89 p.c of managers beneath 40 mentioned that they had tailored their administration practices in response to the adoption of synthetic intelligence, in contrast with 74 p.c of managers over 50. The hole is even wider in terms of efficiency analysis, with 90 p.c of youthful managers saying they’ve revised how they assess employees efficiency, in contrast with 60 p.c of older managers.
The analysis additionally signifies that AI adoption has accelerated sharply over the past two years. In 2023, solely round one in 5 managers reported utilizing AI instruments, however by 2025 greater than 80 p.c mentioned they use them no less than sometimes.
Most respondents described AI primarily as a productiveness device, generally used for analysis, summarising paperwork and drafting written communications. Nonetheless, the survey suggests AI is more and more being utilized to folks administration duties, together with getting ready efficiency critiques, looking for recommendation on managerial selections and dealing with tough conditions.
The report identifies age as the principle issue shaping these practices, with youthful managers twice as seemingly as older managers to depend on AI for steerage in efficiency administration and battle decision. The survey additionally discovered that 55 p.c of youthful managers reported experiencing generational tensions inside their groups linked to AI use.
Whereas almost three quarters of managers mentioned AI helps them save time, many additionally expressed concern that it might complicate their position and weaken human relationships within the office. The research suggests these tensions are significantly evident in efficiency administration, with youthful managers putting larger emphasis on creativity and initiative, whereas older managers proceed to prioritise oversight, reliability and consistency. Expectations for the longer term additionally differ sharply. Nearly half of managers beneath 40 mentioned they imagine administration will change dramatically inside 5 years, in contrast with 28 p.c of these over 50.
The researchers from KEDGE Enterprise College mentioned the findings underline the necessity for organisations to align approaches throughout generations and guarantee AI is adopted responsibly. The varsity has made AI a central a part of its KEDGE 2030 technique, increasing its educating throughout diploma programmes and government training. “AI is already altering the foundations of administration. The actual situation shouldn’t be studying learn how to use a device, however redefining what it means to be a supervisor,” mentioned Alexandre de Navailles, basic supervisor of KEDGE Enterprise College.
