Exploring the Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Software Development in the IT Sector: Preliminary Findings on Productivity, Efficiency and Job Security

TL;DR

This study provides early empirical insights into how Generative AI impacts software development in the IT sector, highlighting productivity gains, efficiency improvements, and rising job security concerns among workers.

Contribution

It offers novel preliminary data on the widespread adoption of Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and their effects on productivity, efficiency, and job security in the IT industry.

Findings

97% of IT workers use Generative AI tools, mainly ChatGPT.

Participants report significant productivity and efficiency gains.

Increased AI adoption correlates with heightened job security concerns.

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Generative AI on software development within the IT sector through a mixed-method approach, utilizing a survey developed based on expert interviews. The preliminary results of an ongoing survey offer early insights into how Generative AI reshapes personal productivity, organizational efficiency, adoption, business strategy and job insecurity. The findings reveal that 97% of IT workers use Generative AI tools, mainly ChatGPT. Participants report significant personal productivity gain and perceive organizational efficiency improvements that correlate positively with Generative AI adoption by their organizations (r = .470, p < .05). However, increased organizational adoption of AI strongly correlates with heightened employee job security concerns (r = .549, p < .001). Key adoption challenges include inaccurate outputs (64.2%), regulatory compliance issues (58.2%) and ethical concerns (52.2%). This research offers early empirical insights into Generative AI's economic and organizational implications.