UROP Project

Attracting or Alienating Young Talent? The Role of Organizational AI Adoption and Policies in the Service Industry

AI adoption, AI policies, Service Industry, Employer Attractiveness, Employer attractiveness

Research Mentor: Becky Liu-Lastres, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Dedman College of Hospitality , Dedman College of Hospitality
Contact Email: bllastres@dedman.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

• Day: Wednesday, September 2
  Start Time: 2:00
  End Time: 2:30
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94442836042
• Day: Wednesday, September 2
  Start Time: 2:30
  End Time: 3:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94442836042

Project Description

This project explores how organizations’ AI adoption and AI-related policies may attract or discourage young talent in the service industry. As companies increasingly use AI in areas such as customer service, operations, and employee management, they are also communicating their AI strategies to current and potential employees. For young workers, AI may signal that an organization is innovative, modern, and prepared for the future, but it may also raise concerns about job security, workplace monitoring, reduced human interaction, or the replacement of employees. We are particularly interested in how organizations present their use of AI and whether their AI-related claims reflect their actual practices, an issue connected to the emerging concept of AI washing. Undergraduate research assistants will help examine company websites, career pages, job advertisements, and other publicly available information to understand how service organizations communicate about AI and how these strategies may shape their attractiveness to young talent.

Research Tasks: Develop problem statement
Complete CITI Training
Data Collection


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Ability to organize information clearly and accurately
Required: Good communication and ability to work independently and as part of a team
Recommended: Interest in artificial intelligence, business, hospitality, or the future of work
Recommended: Experience with Excel or Google Sheets
Recommended: Experience searching for information online or reviewing company websites
Recommended: Previous research experience (not required)
Recommended: Familiarity with AI tools or concepts (not required)