Artificial Intelligence in Business and Management Literature: Conceptual Foundations, Organisational Applications and Future Research Directions

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies shaping contemporary organisations, economies and managerial practices. Although recent advances—particularly in machine learning, deep learning and generative AI—have intensified academic and managerial interest, the foundations of AI research in business and management extend well beyond the current wave of technological enthusiasm. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the evolution of artificial intelligence and to examine how AI-related technologies have been conceptualised, adopted and analysed within the business and management literature. Drawing on an extensive review of international studies, the article synthesises research across key managerial domains, including strategic decision-making, human resource management, innovation, governance, ethics and organisational performance. The findings indicate that AI has moved beyond its role as an operational efficiency tool and increasingly functions as a strategic and organisational capability, reshaping managerial decision processes, organisational structures and human–machine collaboration. At the same time, the literature highlights persistent challenges related to algorithmic bias, transparency, data governance, regulatory uncertainty and workforce adaptation. By integrating theoretical discussions with practical examples, this study contributes to the growing body of management research by clarifying dominant research streams, identifying conceptual gaps and outlining future research directions. The article concludes that while artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities for enhancing organisational performance and competitiveness, its effective and responsible integration requires careful managerial, ethical and institutional consideration.