What does the AI revolution mean for the future of work, careers and organizations? The course will start with an overview of leading theories of organizations, all of which were effectively modeled on the 20th century firm. We will then turn to understanding recent developments in machine learning and AI, from the point of view of an informed user (rather than a technical developer), ranging from foundation language models to Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO) implemented using blockchain technology. These will form the basis for an ongoing discussion about the future of organizations in the age of AI. Is this merely another phase in the modern organization's evolution, is this a paradigmatic redefinition of its structure and function, or is this a cataclysmic moment heralding the end of organizations as the central building blocks of economic activity? We will (speculatively) discuss these issues from a broad perspective, investigating how AI is already impacting work and organizational structures, as well as these changes' broader social implications (such as their effect on work/life balance, the gendered division of labor in the household, and the structure of community). The implications for business and management are clear: AI is already impacting organizational life, and will continue to do so as technologies mature and their business models are refined. This course may not be audited.
3 units · Letter (ABCD/NP)
What does the AI revolution mean for the future of work, careers and organizations? The course will start with an overview of leading theories of organizations, all of which were effectively modeled on the 20th century firm. We will then turn to understanding recent developments in machine learning and AI, from the point of view of an informed user (rather than a technical developer), ranging from foundation language models to Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO) implemented using blockchain technology. These will form the basis for an ongoing discussion about the future of organizations in the age of AI. Is this merely another phase in the modern organization's evolution, is this a paradigmatic redefinition of its structure and function, or is this a cataclysmic moment heralding the end of organizations as the central building blocks of economic activity? We will (speculatively) discuss these issues from a broad perspective, investigating how AI is already impacting work and organizational structures, as well as these changes' broader social implications (such as their effect on work/life balance, the gendered division of labor in the household, and the structure of community). The implications for business and management are clear: AI is already impacting organizational life, and will continue to do so as technologies mature and their business models are refined. This course may not be audited.
Offered in Spring 2026 at Stanford University.