Generative AI and the Social Fabric of Organizations

Last registered on July 13, 2026
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Pre-Trial

Trial Information

General Information

Title
Generative AI and the Social Fabric of Organizations
RCT ID
AEARCTR-0018768
Initial registration date
July 07, 2026

Initial registration date is when the trial was registered.

It corresponds to when the registration was submitted to the Registry to be reviewed for publication.

First published
July 13, 2026, 7:46 AM EDT

First published corresponds to when the trial was first made public on the Registry after being reviewed.

Locations

Country
Uganda
Region

Primary Investigator

Name
Hoa Ho
Affiliation
University of Munich (LMU Munich)
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Other Primary Investigator(s)

PI Name
Maren Mickeler
PI Affiliation
ESSEC Business School
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PI Name
Evelina Griniute
PI Affiliation
LMU Munich
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PI Name
Svenja Friess
PI Affiliation
University of Munich (LMU Munich)
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PI Name
Silvia Castro
PI Affiliation
University of Munich (LMU Munich)
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Additional Trial Information

Status
In development
Start date
2026-07-01
End date
2027-12-31
Keywords
Behavior, Finance & Microfinance, Firms & Productivity
Additional Keywords
Generative AI, Field Experiment, Workplace Interactions, Knowledge Exchange, Help
JEL code(s)
J24, M54, O33, D83, Z13
Secondary IDs
Prior work
This trial does not extend or rely on any prior RCTs.
Abstract
Generative artificial intelligence tools may reshape not only individual productivity but also the social fabric of the workplace: how employees seek and give help, how knowledge flows within teams, and how they interact with peers and supervisors. This study examines how the introduction of a customized GenAI tool for knowledge workers changes workplace interactions among employees at a commercial bank in Uganda. We compare employees in treatment branches (who receive access to the GenAI tool) to employees in control branches (who do not). A central question is what types of interactions from supervisors and peers remain essential for after GenAI is introduced. We draw on tool usage logs and primary data. The study will contribute to the emerging literature on AI and workplace interactions and provides evidence on how cognitive digital tools reshape human collaboration in the workplace.
External Link(s)

Registration Citation

Citation
Castro, Silvia et al. 2026. "Generative AI and the Social Fabric of Organizations." AEA RCT Registry. July 13. https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.18768-1.0
Sponsors & Partners

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Experimental Details

Interventions

Intervention(s)
We introduce a customized GenAI tool that supports loan officers in their analysis. Officers receiving the tool are also given training on how to use it, and the tool is available for routine use throughout the intervention period.
Intervention Start Date
2026-09-01
Intervention End Date
2027-12-31

Primary Outcomes

Primary Outcomes (end points)
Peer and supervisor interactions (e.g. support, knowledge exchange)
Primary Outcomes (explanation)

Secondary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes (end points)
Secondary Outcomes (explanation)

Experimental Design

Experimental Design
We conduct a branch-level randomized controlled trial at a large, commercial bank. Branches are matched into 40 pairs on pre-intervention characteristics, and within each pair one branch is randomly assigned to receive the intervention and one to serve as control (80 branches total, 50% treatment and 50% control). Randomization is conducted by computer algorithm at the branch level. Control branches continue under business as usual.
Experimental Design Details
Not available
Randomization Method
Pairwise matched randomization
Randomization Unit
Branch
Was the treatment clustered?
Yes

Experiment Characteristics

Sample size: planned number of clusters
80 branches
Sample size: planned number of observations
All loan officers, supervisors, and branch managers in study branches (excluding salary bankers)
Sample size (or number of clusters) by treatment arms
40 pairs
Minimum detectable effect size for main outcomes (accounting for sample design and clustering)
Supporting Documents and Materials
IRB

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

IRB Name
LMU Munich School of Management
IRB Approval Date
2026-04-11
IRB Approval Number
ETH-SOM-065
IRB Name
Makerere University CoBAMS-REC
IRB Approval Date
2026-05-11
IRB Approval Number
CoBAMS-REC-2026-686
IRB Name
ESSEC Business School Research Ethics Committee
IRB Approval Date
2026-03-10
IRB Approval Number
2026-017
Analysis Plan