SAP: Why Execs are Placing Trust in AI Over Humans
Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to back-end systems or experimental projects. It now plays a central role in how top-level business decisions are made.
With insights that stem from processing large, complex datasets, AI now influences decisions once reserved solely for human judgement.
According to new research by SAP, corporate leaders are not only listening to AI — many are letting it take the lead.
Executives listen when AI speaks
The SAP-commissioned “AI Has a Seat in the C-Suite” survey, carried out by Wakefield Research, explores how deeply AI is now embedded in executive decision-making.
It includes responses from 300 C-level executives at US companies with annual revenues above US$1bn. The findings point to a growing readiness among leaders to give AI a central role in strategic operations.
According to the survey, 44% of executives say they would overturn their own decision after seeing AI-driven insights. Another 38% go further, stating they would allow AI to make the decision entirely on their behalf.
These numbers show a major shift in how judgement is formed at the highest levels of business.
Jared Coyle, Chief AI Officer at SAP North America, says: “Most executive decisions are based on a combination of the data, how they feel and discussions they've had with people they trust. What this data tells us is that AI is part of that trusted inner circle.”
That trust is growing. The research also reveals that 74% of executives trust AI more than advice from friends and family. This trend is even more pronounced at companies with over US$5bn in annual revenue, where 55% report that AI insights are now replacing or bypassing traditional methods.
Daily reliance on AI tools
The regular use of AI among business leaders is also rising. Almost half of respondents (48%) say they use Gen AI tools every day, with 15% turning to them multiple times per day.
When asked about the areas where AI is most trusted, 52% say it’s their preferred tool for analysing data and recommending decisions.
Others appreciate AI’s capacity to uncover hidden risks (48%) or provide alternative strategies (47%).
“AI is part of that trusted inner circle.”
Beyond decision-making, AI is supporting core business functions. Executives report using AI to assist in product development (40%), budget planning (40%) and market research (40%).
The scope of use suggests that AI is no longer an optional feature but a fundamental part of modern business infrastructure.
In personal terms, AI also appears to support work-life balance. Of those surveyed, 39% say AI helps them achieve a better work-life balance. Additionally, 38% report improved mental wellbeing and 31% experience reduced stress thanks to AI-supported workflows.
Hurdles to full AI integration
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain in making AI work reliably across organisations.
Many businesses face ongoing difficulties building the kind of data environment that AI needs to function effectively. The main issues reported include:
A lack of alignment between IT and business departments
Problems connecting multiple internal systems
Concerns over data quality
These gaps pose problems for companies aiming to make use of AI in a consistent and meaningful way.
Jared points to data as the foundation of any AI system, stating: “The only way to ensure reliable business data for AI is to have one common semantical data layer for your business.”
To help address the issue, SAP has introduced its Business Data Cloud, a cloud-based data management solution.
This software-as-a-service system is designed to bring together SAP and non-SAP data from across an organisation. The goal is to simplify and streamline access to accurate data, making it easier for companies to run trusted AI applications and make quicker, more effective decisions.
This infrastructure allows firms to harmonise information from across departments and systems, ensuring AI operates from a consistent and complete view of the business. As AI’s role in decision-making grows, such foundations will become more crucial.
“Most executive decisions are based on a combination of the data, how they feel and discussions they've had with people they trust,” says Jared. “What this data tells us is that AI is part of that trusted inner circle.”
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