THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON JOB DISPLACEMENT AMONG EMPLOYEES IN BENIN ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY (BEDC) AKURE, NIGERIA

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the business landscape, and organizations must develop strategies to minimize job displacement and ensure a smooth transition to an AI-driven environment. This study explores the impact of AI adoption on job roles and organizational structure in BEDC Akure, a leading organization in Nigeria. A survey of 150 employees was conducted, and the results show that 66.7% of respondents believe that AI adoption will lead to changes in organizational structure, with 53.3% indicating a shift towards flatter organizational structures and 60.0% anticipating more specialized roles. Descriptive statistics reveal that upskilling and reskilling employees (80.0%), implementing AI gradually (73.3%), and providing support for employees who may lose their jobs (66.7%) are key strategies to minimize job displacement. Regression analysis results show that investing in employee training and development programs (β = 0.201, p = 0.011), upskilling and reskilling employees (β = 0.123, p = 0.049), providing support for employees who may lose their jobs (β = 0.172, p = 0.020), implementing AI gradually (β = 0.256, p = 0.001), and prioritizing retraining employees for new roles (β = 0.154, p = 0.029) are significant predictors of confidence in BEDC Akure's ability to manage the impact of AI adoption, with an R Square value of 0.730. The study highlights the importance of effective change management, employee development programs, and strategic planning in navigating AI adoption. The findings have implications for organizations seeking to adopt AI and minimize job displacement. By prioritizing employee development programs, gradual implementation of AI, and providing support for employees who may lose their jobs, organizations can build trust and confidence among employees and ensure a smooth transition to an AI-driven business environment.