Cambridge Business Association
Leadership by Algorithm
Book

Leadership by Algorithm

David De Cremer
Harriman House, 2020
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Applicable
  • Well Structured

Recommendation

Academician David De Cremer offers a logical, structured and balanced discussion on the implications of bringing AI and algorithms into organizations. He devotes the first third of the book arguing that AI is a strong and imminent contender for CEO. He spends the rest of the book telling you why it won’t happen. His bottom line, however, echoes a growing consensus: Firms should combine the strengths of AI with human strengths. AI will automate many staff and management tasks, but remains eons away from replacing the vital and uniquely human traits of great leaders.

Summary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will change life, society and business.

As AI becomes a factor in society and daily life and business operations, it will follow Moore’s Law: This change will accelerate rapidly, leading to an unrecognizable future even by 2030. AI and algorithms may seize the reins of business, and make every decision, whether it’s mundane or strategic.

Algorithms might be faster and smarter than humans, but they function without feelings or empathy. Machines won’t develop a consciousness or evil intent. They can take over only if humans let them.

Three ingredients – ubiquitous data; fast, powerful and cheap computing; and inexpensive data storage – emerged only recently, as have AI’s greatest feats, including defeating world champion Go players, learning how to perform medical diagnoses and assisting in legal judgments.

AI appears ready to boost world economies by making business and people more efficient and effective. Workers now can offload mundane, repetitive work to machines to focus on more meaningful tasks requiring uniquely human skills. Most business leaders plan to invest heavily in machine-learning solutions...

About the Author

Award-winning behavioralist Dr. David De Cremer is Provost Chair at the National University of Singapore business school, where he is also the founder and director of its Centre on AI Technology for Humankind. He previously taught at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

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