Subject. The shadow use of artificial intelligence tools in organizations and the social stigmatization of this practice as factors affecting financial risks and business resilience. Objectives. To identify and quantify the shadow use of AI and the social stigmatization of its application in Russian organizations, as well as to determine management measures that can reduce the associated financial and regulatory risks. Methods. The study employed automated monitoring of Russian-language social media, content analysis of publications, and 43 in-depth interviews with representatives of Russian companies. To verify the results, data triangulation was used – the authors’ data were cross-checked against materials from international and Russian studies. Results. Widespread covert use of AI tools in Russian organizations has been revealed. Social stigmatization has been established as an independent factor that limits the transparency of AI adoption and amplifies management risks. It has been shown that incidents related to shadow AI increase the risk of data breaches and associated financial losses for Russian companies. Conclusions and Relevance. Overcoming the AI productivity paradox requires a shift from prohibitive measures to the institutionalization of the technology – through fostering digital literacy, implementing transparent corporate policies, and integrating AI into the risk management system. The findings can be used in the management practice of Russian companies to detect covert AI use and mitigate the related financial risks. The identified barriers to AI adoption allow for refining corporate measures to reduce the latent use of the technology. The results are of interest to executives and specialists responsible for digital transformation and risk management.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, social stigmatization, productivity paradox, digital literacy, regulatory financial risks
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