An Examination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its Influence on Job Security in Jamaica: A Quantitative Jamaican Perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) profoundly alters various aspects of modern life, including employment patterns. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI), including CHATGPT and generative AI, represents one of the most transformative technological advancements of the 21st century. Despite the Jamaican government’s awareness of the pending threats of AI technologies (Office of the Prime Minister, 2024), no study has emerged from a literature search on issues and challenges of this phenomenon from the vantage point of the citizenry.

Objective: This research explores AI's implications on job security in Jamaica, a developing nation with a unique economic landscape and labour market dynamics.

Methods and materials: This study employed a correlational research design, a non-experimental method used to identify and analyse the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. In examining AI’s influence on job security in Jamaica, this design allows researchers to observe the natural variations in AI adoption and job security levels across different sectors and regions.

Findings: The present research reveals that 63% of employees believe that AI has the potential to enhance job satisfaction and engagement, 47% indicate that vocational training and ongoing learning can effectively help workers acquire the needed skills to use AI; 76.9% believed that some new job roles could emerge as results of AI adoption, and 42% indicated that AI would result in job displacement for those in low-skilled occupations. Additionally, 58.7% of the sampled respondents indicate that AI will affect the Jamaican job market.

Conclusion: While AI promises to drive economic growth and enhance Jamaica's productivity, its successful integration requires a multifaceted approach. Proactive policy measures, comprehensive education reforms, and a focus on ethical AI deployment are essential to navigating the AI revolution in a way that promotes sustainable development and job security for all Jamaicans. By addressing these challenges head-on, Jamaica can leverage AI to foster innovation, economic resilience, and a more equitable future for its workforce.