Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Office Management: Implications for Equity and Inclusion

Abstract

The study investigated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in office management and examined their implications for equity and inclusion in Nigerian workplaces. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consist of 299 non-academic staffs of the university and staffs of the organization, the stratified random sampling technique was employed to sample 171 which was obtained using the Taro Yamane Formula. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire of 20 item statements titled “Artificial Intelligence Tools, Equity, and Inclusion in Office Management Questionnaire (AITEIOMQ)”, which was validated by 2 experts from the department of Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was established through a pilot study, yielding a coefficient of 0.82. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that AI tools have become integral to modern office administration, improving communication, decision-making, and workflow efficiency, that AI enhances equal access to organizational information and resources, minimizes human bias in administrative decision-making and AI tools was also found to create fear of job loss among office personnel, reflecting anxiety about automation and workforce displacement. It was recommended that organizations should conduct periodic technology audits to identify and adopt a range of AI tools that align with their administrative needs and enhance overall office productivity, and the study suggested that government agencies, policymakers, and organizational leaders develop frameworks and training programs to address issues such as skill gaps, ethical concerns, and the fear of job displacement associated with AI adoption in office environments.