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How professionals respond to disruptive effects of artificial intelligence on their jurisdiction: The role of interactive governance

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  • Chen, Qin
  • Wang, Hongchuan
  • Ma, Chengcheng
  • Ru, Peng

Abstract

The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in professional work has disrupted established jurisdiction, frequently eliciting defensive responses from professionals. However, limited research has systematically examined how professionals respond to such disruptions. Based on 86 interviews, 240 hours of non-participatory observation, and 20 documents collected over 47 months of fieldwork in Chinese public hospitals, this article investigates the Intelligent Prescribing Review (IPR) system — an AI tool designed to assist physicians with prescribing and dispensing — in order to analyze professionals’ responses to AI disruption. The study identifies four models of interactive governance employed by professionals: intra-professional division, inter-professional coordination, professional-AI collaboration, and professional-organization consultation. These responses are shown to be shaped by the interplay of the institutional environment, organizational strain, and a relationship-oriented society. By presenting interactive governance as the central mechanism, the analysis moves beyond dichotomous narratives that depict professional responses as mere acceptance or resistance. The findings highlight an important shift in professional jurisdiction, from reliance on individual knowledge-based expertise toward interactive governance through collaborative negotiation.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Qin & Wang, Hongchuan & Ma, Chengcheng & Ru, Peng, 2025. "How professionals respond to disruptive effects of artificial intelligence on their jurisdiction: The role of interactive governance," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 386(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:386:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625009578
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118626
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