Table 4 Ideal Types’ analytical core... | Emerald Publishing

Table 4

Ideal Types’ analytical core features, within case similarities and cross-case comparison

	Ideal type [1]: Efficiency-seeking type M365 copilot is just a “tool” that supports tasks executions and efficiency	Ideal type [2]: Pragmatic integrator type M365 copilot can be a smarter assistant	Ideal type [3]: Collaborative Optimiser Type M365 copilot is a digital, expert-like teammate
AI-enabled Work Practices and Task Adaptation	M365 Copilot is seen as ▪ a tool that helps with automating routine and mundane tasks ▪ increasing efficiency in basic operations and processes ▪ requiring little mental effort beyond setting up and (little, if not at all) reviewing the outputs ▪ cognitively undemanding	M365 Copilot is seen as ▪ an aid in initiating and stimulating creativity, serving as a catalyst for generating and/or brainstorming ideas ▪ enhancing productivity by allowing users to learn and address tasks they might not have the expertise/time for, while still relying on [others] for more complex decisions ▪ requiring some degree of mental effort ▪ prompting reflects a new way of working and interacting	M365 Copilot is seen as ▪ a more advanced agent, providing support for complex and strategic issues ▪ requiring a certain level of expertise in crafting effective prompts ▪ Requiring heightened cognitive effort for effective interaction
Human Agency, Autonomy, and Decision-Making in AI-enabled Work	▪ Need to preserve full autonomy in decision-making and avoid over-dependence on technology	▪ Support and guidance on complex topics, boosting confidence in decision-making ▪ Feeling of assurance in approaching challenging tasks	▪ Boosting human decision-making without undermining users’ roles – ultimately, the authority and expertise remain firmly in their hands
Teamwork in Human-AI Environments	▪ M365 Copilot viewed as a support mechanism not a threat	▪ Collaboration with work colleagues may be impacted – a shift that aligns with the broader changes to workplace dynamics accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic	▪ A collaborative teammate that can both support and challenge users’ expertise
Organisational support	▪ Trust on the company’s ethical standards ▪ emphasis for clear guidelines on responsible usage, particularly regarding data security	▪ Alignment with the company’s learning-oriented culture ▪ Need for structured training and support systems to ensure responsible adoption	▪ Welcome the company’s forward-thinking approach ▪ However, concerns about job security and the evolving nature of expertise

	Ideal type [1]: Efficiency-seeking typeM365 copilot is just a “tool” that supports tasks executions and efficiency	Ideal type [2]: Pragmatic integrator typeM365 copilot can be a smarter assistant	Ideal type [3]: Collaborative Optimiser TypeM365 copilot is a digital, expert-like teammate
AI-enabled Work Practices and Task Adaptation	M365 Copilot is seen as▪ a tool that helps with automating routine and mundane tasks ▪ increasing efficiency in basic operations and processes ▪ requiring little mental effort beyond setting up and (little, if not at all) reviewing the outputs ▪ cognitively undemanding	M365 Copilot is seen as▪ an aid in initiating and stimulating creativity, serving as a catalyst for generating and/or brainstorming ideas ▪ enhancing productivity by allowing users to learn and address tasks they might not have the expertise/time for, while still relying on [others] for more complex decisions ▪ requiring some degree of mental effort ▪ prompting reflects a new way of working and interacting	M365 Copilot is seen as▪ a more advanced agent, providing support for complex and strategic issues ▪ requiring a certain level of expertise in crafting effective prompts ▪ Requiring heightened cognitive effort for effective interaction
Human Agency, Autonomy, and Decision-Making in AI-enabled Work	▪ Need to preserve full autonomy in decision-making and avoid over-dependence on technology	▪ Support and guidance on complex topics, boosting confidence in decision-making ▪ Feeling of assurance in approaching challenging tasks	▪ Boosting human decision-making without undermining users’ roles – ultimately, the authority and expertise remain firmly in their hands
Teamwork in Human-AI Environments	▪ M365 Copilot viewed as a support mechanism not a threat	▪ Collaboration with work colleagues may be impacted – a shift that aligns with the broader changes to workplace dynamics accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic	▪ A collaborative teammate that can both support and challenge users’ expertise
Organisational support	▪ Trust on the company’s ethical standards ▪ emphasis for clear guidelines on responsible usage, particularly regarding data security	▪ Alignment with the company’s learning-oriented culture ▪ Need for structured training and support systems to ensure responsible adoption	▪ Welcome the company’s forward-thinking approach ▪ However, concerns about job security and the evolving nature of expertise

Source(s): Authors’ own work