Prof. Dr. Uta Wilkens | Business | Best Research Article Award
Prof. Dr. Uta Wilkens | Business – Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
Prof. Dr. Uta Wilkens is a distinguished academic specializing in labor sciences, focusing on organizational behavior and human resource management within the context of digital transformation. Holding the Chair of Work, Personnel, and Leadership at Ruhr-University Bochum, she contributes significantly to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplace environments, exploring both organizational adaptability and individual competencies. She has been an active contributor to international academic dialogues, leading various research initiatives that bridge AI, human resource management, and workplace transformations.
Profile:
Orcid
Education:
Prof. Wilkens’ academic journey is rooted in an exemplary educational background. She completed her Diplomas in Business Administration and Economic Education at the Free University of Berlin, excelling with top marks. Her doctoral degree in Economics (Dr. rer. pol.) from the Technical University of Chemnitz was awarded summa cum laude, further advancing her academic profile. Prof. Wilkens later achieved the qualification “Venia Legendi” (habilitation) for Business Administration, underlining her deep academic expertise.
Experience:
Prof. Wilkens has built a career marked by high-impact roles in academia and leadership. Since December 2005, she has held the Chair of Work, Personnel, and Leadership at Ruhr-University Bochum, where she also served as Managing Director of the Institute for Work Science. Her leadership extended to roles such as Vice-Rector for Teaching, Continuing Education, and International Relations at the university. Additionally, she has been a visiting researcher at institutions like the University of York, University of Colorado Boulder, and University of South Australia, contributing to her international profile.
Research Interests:
Prof. Wilkens’ research is centered on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and work environments, particularly focusing on how organizations can adapt to digital disruptions. She is particularly interested in how AI can be integrated into workplace processes while enhancing both organizational flexibility and individual competency development. Her interdisciplinary approach combines qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to study the impact of digital transformations, examining both technological and human factors within organizational settings.
Awards:
Prof. Wilkens has received numerous accolades for her contributions to academia and research. Notably, she was involved in the management of significant research projects such as the HUMAINE Network, a BMBF-funded initiative focused on human-centered AI in the workplace. Her work also earned her membership in several prestigious boards and advisory groups, including the Scientific Advisory Board for the Fraunhofer-Leitprojekt “Emotion” and the Research Development Fund for AI at CU Boulder. These positions reflect her leadership in advancing responsible AI deployment in organizational settings.
Publications:
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Wilkens, U. & Sprafke, N. (2017). Journal of Competences, Strategy & Management, Vol. 9. “Approaching Dynamic Capabilities from a Multi-Level Perspective”
Published in Hampp-Verlag 📖 (Cited by 65 articles) -
Wilkens, U., Kluge, A., Peiffer, C., & Nitsch, V. (2023). Human-Centered AI at Work – Common Ground in Theories and Methods. Frontiers in AI / AI in Business 📄 (Cited by 34 articles)
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Wilkens, U., Langholf, V., & Dewey, M. (2024). Types of human-AI role development – Benefits, harms, and risks of AI-based assistance in radiology. Journal of Competences, Strategy & Management 📖 (Cited by 22 articles)
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Langholf, V., & Wilkens, U. (2024). Pathway to work with AI: Testing the clAIr role development method in industrial work environments. Zeitschrift für Arbeitswissenschaft 📰 (Cited by 18 articles)
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Wilkens, U., Lutzen, I., Zheng, C., Beser, A., & Prilla, M. (2025). Augmenting Diversity in Hiring Decisions with Artificial Intelligence Tools. The International Journal of Human Resource Management 🌍 (Cited by 12 articles)
Conclusion:
Prof. Dr. Uta Wilkens is a recognized leader in the study of human resource management and organizational development, with a particular focus on the evolving impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on work. Her academic leadership and research contributions have had a significant impact on shaping the discourse around AI’s role in the workplace, positioning her as a thought leader in this transformative field.