A new study has uncovered a surprising trend: employees who openly acknowledge using artificial intelligence (AI) at work are often trusted less by colleagues and clients than those who keep silent. This finding, featured in a recent report on The Conversation, challenges widely held assumptions that transparency around technology use breeds confidence and goodwill in professional settings.
This insight is particularly significant for Thai professionals and organizations as businesses across the kingdom increasingly embrace AI-powered solutions—from customer service chatbots and automated translation tools to advanced data analytics. In many workplaces, staff are encouraged to adopt AI as part of digital transformation agendas and the nation’s push toward Thailand 4.0, where technology and innovation drive economic growth. Yet, according to the latest findings, revealing reliance on such tools could undermine interpersonal trust, an essential element in many Thai office cultures that value harmony, respect, and personal relationships.
The research, conducted by academic teams in organizational behavior and psychology, involved experiments where participants interacted with or assessed others who were either open or discreet about their use of AI technology to complete work tasks. The results consistently showed that individuals who honestly disclosed AI assistance were perceived as less trustworthy and competent compared to peers who either did not mention AI usage or implied they performed the work independently. “There is an underlying skepticism towards the authenticity and effort involved when AI is part of the equation,” commented one of the researchers quoted in The Conversation.
The implications for Thailand’s workforce are broad. In corporate environments—especially those built on hierarchical structures or group harmony, as often seen in Thai institutions—trust forms the backbone of successful teamwork and career advancement. This study suggests a potential dilemma: while honesty and transparency are vital values, being upfront about AI utilization could unintentionally damage one’s professional reputation or disrupt team cohesion. For sectors like banking, healthcare, and education—where sensitive information and decision-making are at the fore—the balance between innovation and personal integrity becomes delicate.
Experts emphasize that the public’s discomfort may stem from the association of AI with impersonality or a perceived shortcut, questioning the value-add of human contributors. “While AI can increase efficiency, there is a lingering perception that using it reduces credit for personal achievement and may compromise quality,” remarked an international organizational psychologist familiar with the issue.
In Thai settings, where the concept of “face” (รักษาหน้า) matters deeply, individuals might feel pressure to either overstate their independence or downplay technological support to maintain respect and trust from colleagues and clients. Historically, technology adoption in Thailand has been rapid, particularly among youth and urban professionals, but skepticism towards rapid change remains in some quarters, especially among senior staff or in sectors prioritizing tradition and expert knowledge.
Looking ahead, the persistence of this trust gap could hinder the open integration of AI in the workplace and slow down progress toward digitalization in Thailand. If workers fear a loss of trust, they may resort to concealing efficient practices, undermining transparency and the very culture of innovation organizations seek to foster. The study’s authors advise that companies create clear guidelines and dialogues about acceptable AI usage and recognize effort and skill alongside technological resourcefulness. “Organizations should reward not just the final result, but also the thoughtful and ethical application of the tools available,” they recommend.
For Thai professionals navigating these challenges, communication is key. It may be prudent to contextualize AI use—explaining how it augments (rather than replaces) human judgment and skill, and framing its assistance as a support to, rather than a substitute for, personal proficiency. Cultivating digital literacy and AI awareness among all staff can also lessen skepticism, allowing AI to be seen as an enabling force rather than a threat.
As Thailand pushes forward in its journey towards a digital economy, balancing honesty with strategic communication, and recognizing the cultural dimensions of trust, will be essential. Readers are encouraged to reflect on the role AI plays in their own work, advocate for clear organizational policies, and participate in open discussions about technological change in the workplace.
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