Resistance to AI Adoption in HRM: A Qualitative Study of Pakistani Organizations

Abstract

The fast integration process of artificial intelligence into human resource management (HRM) practices has led to strong discussions about the ability of organizations in developing countries to accept these new changes. Pakistani organizations display strong refusal to adopt AI-driven HRM tools which organizations recognize have potential to enhance their recruitment process and performance evaluation and employee engagement and workforce analytics. This qualitative study investigates the nature and sources and organizational consequences of this resistance which exists within Pakistani firms across multiple industries. The study followed an interpretivist research paradigm through its semi-structured interviews which included fifteen HR professionals and senior managers and organizational decision-makers from organizations based in Lahore and Karachi and Islamabad. Thematic analysis was applied to uncover recurring patterns and deeper contextual explanations for adoption resistance. The research identified that resistance arises primarily from HR personnel who fear losing their jobs and employees and executives who lack AI skills and digital abilities and people who distrust algorithmic systems and organizations that maintain static hierarchical structures and companies that lack basic technological infrastructure and organizations that view AI technology as unsuitable for their HR methods. The study concludes the multi-pronged strategy which includes targeted digital upskilling and transparent communication about AI’s complementary role and leadership-driven change advocacy and culturally-sensitive implementation frameworks serves as the required solution to overcome AI adoption resistance which exists within Pakistani HRM. Theoretical contributions include a context-specific model of AI-HRM adoption resistance while practical implications guide HR practitioners and policymakers who seek to prepare their organizations for AI-driven transformation.