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CNBC
08-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Generative AI like ChatGPT is at risk of creating new gender gap at work
Popular generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT can be a boon for productivity and efficiency. But in adoption of the technology at work, a significant gender gap threatens the widespread use of it. Technology and business leaders need to wake up to this reality or risk missing out on the potential benefits of AI for business, which include improved customer service, more efficient content creation, enhanced data analysis, and cost savings through automation. New research shows that women are considerably less likely than men to use ChatGPT. Why that is the case was not part of the research, but regardless, it's something senior technology executives including chief information officers and chief technology officers, as well as other C-suite leaders, need to be concerned about. "Recent studies have documented meaningful productivity gains from tools like ChatGPT," said Anders Humlum, assistant professor of economics at the Booth School of Business, University of Chicago. "The fact that women are significantly less likely to use these tools means they may be missing out on these benefits," Humlum said. For businesses, this represents both a lost opportunity to boost overall productivity and a potential driver of widening gaps between workers, Humlum said. In a survey of 18,000 workers from 11 occupations completed in 2024, researchers at the University of Chicago in collaboration with Statistics Denmark found that ChatGPT has been widely adopted in those occupations, with 41 percent of workers using it for job-related tasks. On-the-job adoption rates ranged from 65% for marketing professionals to 12% for financial advisors, and almost everyone in the survey was aware of the technology, according to the report. But when researchers looked at the demographics, they discovered that women were 16 percentage points less likely than men to use ChatGPT for job tasks, even when comparing workers within the same occupation and with similar job responsibilities. Research from professional services firm Deloitte also indicated a gender gap in generative AI adoption. Its analysis showed that women in the U.S. have been lagging in taking up the technology. In 2023, Deloitte said, women's adoption of generative AI was about half that of men. In 2024, the gap remained, although it was narrower. "Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT offer businesses the opportunity to streamline tasks and boost efficiency," said Ritu Jyoti, group vice president and general manager of AI and data market research and advisory services at International Data Corp. "However, concerns arise if there is a disparity in the utilization of these tools, particularly among women. This discrepancy could hinder businesses from fully capitalizing on productivity improvements across their workforce." The existing gender gap in AI adoption has the potential to exacerbate inequalities within the workplace, Jyoti said. "The essence of innovation lies in diverse viewpoints," she said. "If women do not have equal representation in the use of AI tools, businesses run the risk of missing out on novel ideas and solutions that emerge from a more inclusive approach." One possible solution to address the AI gender gap is to provide better training and support. "Establish comprehensive training initiatives to ensure all employees, irrespective of gender, are proficient in utilizing AI tools," Jyoti said. "This can encompass workshops, online courses, and personalized mentoring sessions." Research conducted by Humlum has shown that targeted training on how to integrate tools such as ChatGPT into daily workflows can be highly effective in closing gender gaps in usage, he said. Companies need to offer practical, hands-on training, in which they equip employees with real-world examples of how ChatGPT can support their tasks, Humlum said. "Training increases confidence and lowers the barrier to entry," he said. In addition, organizations that establish clear policies outlining appropriate use of generative AI tend to see broader adoption, especially among women, Humlum said. "Set clear usage guidelines," he said. "Clarify expectations around when and how generative AI should be used. This helps normalize adoption and gives workers permission to explore the tools." It's also a good practice to highlight role models and success stories with AI. "Sharing examples of employees who have benefited from using AI — especially women — can foster peer learning and encourage uptake," Humlum said. And businesses also need to monitor and support equitable adoption of AI-based applications. "Track usage across groups and provide targeted support where adoption lags to ensure the benefits are broadly shared," Humlum said. Companies can regularly evaluate AI adoption rates and productivity metrics to identify gender gaps, Jyoti said. "Implement strategies such as targeted incentives for underrepresented groups, to rectify these disparities," she said. In a broader sense, businesses need to promote an inclusive culture, Jyoti said. "Foster a work environment that encourages the utilization of AI tools by all team members," she said. By highlighting the benefits of AI integration, companies can help to dispel any reservations or stigmas regarding AI, she said. To help ensure diverse representation, organizations also need to involve women in the development of AI applications, Jyoti said. "Diverse teams play a vital role in identifying and rectifying biases in AI systems, enhancing their fairness and effectiveness," she said. By implementing these measures, organizations can create an equitable environment that maximizes the advantages of generative AI for all employees, Jyoti said.
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
University Of Chicago Given $100 Million For Its Executive MBA Program
The University of Chicago has received a $100 million gift from entrepreneur and investor Konstantin Sokolov. The donation will be used to support multiple components of the university's Executive MBA Program at its Booth School of Business. In honor of the donor, the university said it would rename the program the Sokolov Executive MBA Program. It will also create a new clinical professorship for a scholar who will teach Executive MBA students. 'With this extraordinary gift, Konstantin Sokolov offers a powerful testament to the impact of the education provided by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business,' said University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos, in a news release. 'I am pleased to know that students will benefit from his generous support, which will allow the school to continue fostering innovation, leadership and excellence in business education.' Chicago's executive MBA program has a long and distinguished history. First created in 1943, its initial cohort consisted of 52 students who met two nights a week at a building on Michigan Avenue. Today, it trains more than 200 students annually in a 21-month multidisciplinary curriculum — dubbed 'The Chicago Approach' — that's offered in Chicago, London and Hong Kong. In addition to formal classes, it places special emphasis on career and leadership development through personalized executive coaching, leadership workshops and an executive-in-residence experience. Konstantin Sokolov immigrated to the U.S. from Russia at age 21; he received his Executive MBA from the University of Chicago in 2005. Sokolov is the founder of IJS Investments, a private equity firm located in Chicago. His gift marks the 20th anniversary of his graduation from the program. 'I am immensely proud to be able to support the incredible achievements made by Chicago Booth, an institution with a legacy of pioneering research and transformative education since its founding,' Sokolov said in the news release. 'I am deeply honored by the school's decision to give my name to its world-leading Executive MBA Program," he added. "Two decades after my graduation, the lessons I learned, the experiences I gained, and the friendships I forged at Booth remain the foundation of my career and my life. The school's relentless pursuit of knowledge is an inspiration, and I hope my support will contribute to its continued success.' The new gift will be used for several purposes, according to the university, including additional support for student scholarships and daily operations as well as enhancements to the curriculum and the forging of greater professional connections and related opportunities for students. 'With Konstantin's remarkable commitment, the Sokolov Executive MBA Program will continue to educate future generations of leaders, giving students the insight and skills they need to move people and organizations to success,' added Madhav Rajan, dean of Chicago Booth and the George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting. 'This gift will help the school further adapt and refine its offerings to meet the evolving global business landscape.' Chicago's Booth School is widely recognized as one of the leading business schools in the nation. Forbes recently ranked it first on its list of best business schools.
