New research published by global talent solutions company AMS has uncovered the beginning of a trend that could have profound implications for the future competitiveness of organizations in the talent market—a gap emerging between C-suite leaders and HR professionals in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruitment. The research was conducted through a survey of 300 senior decision-makers, including CHROs, C-suite leaders, and HR talent leaders, in partnership with Wakefield Research.
While there is a general consensus that AI is going to play a critical role in future talent recruitment, it appears that nearly half (47%) of the respondents believe that their HR organization and C-suite leadership are not aligned on the adoption of AI in recruitment. This is occurring at a point when 64% of respondents believe that their organization’s talent pool will not be competitive without AI, including 80% of CHROs, a clear indication that HR leaders are more AI-savvy than many CEOs and C-suite leaders.
The Adoption Gap: Optimism vs. Execution
Although enthusiasm for AI is high, the research finds 89% of companies are not yet using AI across all major talent acquisition functions. Many organizations are still in early stages of embedding AI — from candidate screening and workflow automation to predictive analytics — into everyday hiring practices. A significant portion of leaders (71%) agree that greater investment in AI for recruitment is urgently needed.
Risks, Workforce Disruption, and Ethical Guardrails
The study also captures rising concern about AI’s impact on employment and job security. Seven in ten respondents fear that AI may displace jobs as automation accelerates, with CHROs particularly attuned to these risks. Yet there’s also recognition of the need for human judgment, especially regarding soft skills, even as AI automates routine tasks. Reflecting a maturing approach to responsible technology, 88% of organizations now have formal ethical AI guidelines governing recruitment practices.
Implications for the HR Industry
For HR professionals, these findings highlight a familiar truth: AI provides tools for efficiency and scale. However, strategic alignment among leaders is crucial to realize its full value. Without a coordinated effort between HR teams and executives, companies face fragmented implementation. Other industry research supports this, showing that while HR’s interest in AI is strong, only a few organizations use it as a strategic advantage.
Talent shortages and productivity demands are key reasons for AI adoption. HR leaders must now direct technology investments and upskilling efforts. This involves building skills in workforce analytics, ethical automation use, and change management. These will be essential for the next generation of HR leaders. According to the AMS research, over half of respondents expect to hire more AI‑savvy HR professionals in the next two years.
Broader Business Impact
The implications for organizations operating in a dynamic market are profound. The organizations that are not able to align their strategy and execution will be left behind by organizations that are using AI to improve the speed of hiring, candidate experience, and workforce planning. However, organizations that are making informed decisions about AI investments while upholding high ethical standards will most likely experience improvements in productivity and competitiveness for talent. The future challenge is not only in technology adoption but also in aligning leadership vision and execution.
