Managing Bring Your Own AI (BYOAI):
The rise of generative AI (GenAI) has introduced a new challenge for leaders: the phenomenon of Bring Your Own AI (BYOAI). As employees increasingly use unvetted, publicly available GenAI tools like ChatGPT or Claude, new risks emerge. However, simply banning these tools is not a viable solution.
New research from Nick van der Meulen and Barbara H. Wixom from the MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) offers guidance on how leaders can transform BYOAI tools from a potential organizational liability into an asset that fosters innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the Dual Nature of BYOAI: BYOAI tools present both risks and rewards. Organizations must acknowledge this duality to develop effective strategies.
- A Smart BYOAI Strategy: Implementing a successful BYOAI strategy requires a cross-functional leadership team, comprehensive training programs, and the establishment of communities of practice to share knowledge and best practices.
- Making the Case for Sanctioned Tools: Leaders can justify and advocate for a limited set of approved BYOAI tools to balance security, compliance, and the encouragement of innovation.
About the Authors:
- Barbara H. Wixom – Principal Research Scientist at MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)
- Nick van der Meulen – Research Scientist at CISR
- Laurianne McLaughlin – Senior Editor, Digital, at MIT Sloan Management Review (Moderator)
