A blessing or a burden? Exploring worker perspectives of using a social robot in a church

TL;DR

This study explores worker perspectives on introducing a social robot in a church setting, revealing mixed reactions and emphasizing social, ethical, and practical considerations beyond financial factors.

Contribution

It provides qualitative insights into the social and ethical implications of deploying social robots in non-profit, community-focused organizations like churches.

Findings

Mixed responses to robot use in the church

Emphasis on empathetic responsibility and unintended consequences

Potential roles include information provision and reducing mundane tasks

Abstract

Recent technological advances have allowed robots to assist in the service sector, and consequently accelerate job and sector transformation. Less attention has been paid to the use of robots in real-world organisations where social benefits, as opposed to profits, are the primary motivator. To explore these opportunities, we have partnered with a working church and visitor attraction. We conducted interviews with 15 participants from a range of stakeholder groups within the church to understand worker perspectives of introducing a social robot to the church and analysed the results using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings indicate mixed responses to the use of a robot, with participants highlighting the empathetic responsibility the church has towards people and the potential for unintended consequences. However, information provision and alleviation of menial or mundane tasks were identified as potential use cases. This highlights the need to consider not only the financial aspects of robot introduction, but also how social and intangible values shape what roles a robot should take on within an organisation.