Designing a Maturity Model for the Adoption and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Iranian Organizations: A Critical Systems Thinking and Action Research Approach

Nima Rabiei Sarvandi¹

1) Assistant Professor of Iranian University

IOI Code : ABDE-ABKFBB
Publication : 6th International Conference on Advanced Research in Management And Humanities(huconf.com)
Abstract :
    Digital transformation and the proliferation of artificial intelligence applications in recent years have confronted organizations with new opportunities and challenges in the domains of decision-making, productivity, innovation, and competitive advantage. Despite the growing investment in AI technologies, many Iranian organizations still lack a systematic framework for assessing their level of readiness, adoption, deployment, and development of this technology, and the absence of a localized maturity model has constrained the process of successful planning and implementation. Accordingly, the present research has been conducted with the aim of designing a maturity model for the adoption and implementation of AI in Iranian organizations, employing critical systems thinking and action research. This study is applied in terms of its objective and qualitative in terms of its approach. The research process is carried out through a systematic literature review, analysis of studies related to AI maturity, technology adoption, AI governance, and critical systems thinking, extraction of key dimensions and components, and their integration into a conceptual model. Subsequently, the proposed model will be revised and refined within the framework of action research cycles, drawing on the perspectives of experts in the fields of management, information technology, and artificial intelligence. The proposed model evaluates organizational maturity across five levels—initial readiness, adoption, deployment, integration, and continuous improvement—and encompasses dimensions such as leadership, organizational culture, data infrastructure, technology, human resources, processes, governance, AI ethics, change management, and organizational learning. The application of critical systems thinking enables the analysis of interrelationships among these dimensions, the identification of structural barriers, and the provision of comprehensive solutions for the successful adoption of AI. It is expected that the model can serve as a localized framework for assessing the current state, planning the maturity trajectory, and steering digital transformation in organizations, and can be utilized by managers, policymakers, and researchers, thereby laying the groundwork for future research.

Keywords : artificial intelligence maturity model ai implementation critical systems thinking action research ai governance