Competing with artificial intelligence – can the records and information management profession withstand the challenge?

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to report on a study that focused on the records and information management (RIM) profession’s competencies with respect to the development of AI. Design/methodology/approach Designed as deductive, the study distilled artificial intelligence (AI) insusceptibility indicators, creative intelligence and social intelligence, from the Oxford study and applied them to the current RIM core competencies developed by ARMA International. Manual coding and semantic analysis served as the primary inquiring methods, and both statistical and qualitative results are presented. Findings The RIM profession as a whole is currently AI-resistant, yet it is not AI-proof. To be AI-proof, the existent competencies model needs to be redesigned as the AI-resistant parts are mingled with AI-prone ones, and the prescriptions of some RIM theories and principles are not ready for AI judgements or adjustments. It requires also strategizing collaborations among all stakeholders so that we can be one step ahead of future unfavorable organizational decisions. If our professional nature renders us AI-resistant for now, then it is our professional unity that will ensure us AI-proof in the future. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is first of its kind within the international RIM community. It provides detailed assessment data on AI insusceptibility and targeted suggestions regarding the RIM community as a whole.