Balancing optimism and caution: project professionals’ attitudes toward AI integration

<p dir="ltr">As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies increasingly permeate organisational processes, their integration into project management raises important questions about the evolving role of project professionals. This study investigates how project managers at different career stages perceive the impact of AI on two domains: (1) project management competencies — personal, knowledge, and performance capabilities — and (2) job security. Drawing on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) competency framework, the research examines whether AI is regarded as augmenting or diminishing professional value.</p><p dir="ltr">A quantitative-survey of 57 project managers across junior, mid-level, and senior roles collected data on perceptions of decision-making, skills development, task execution, and employment risk. Descriptive and non-parametric statistical analyses were applied. Findings show that project managers generally view AI as an enabler, strongly agreeing that it enhances access to knowledge and improves efficiency and accuracy of task execution. Respondents also consistently emphasised the need for human oversight in AI-supported decision-making. At the same time, moderate concerns were expressed regarding the erosion of domain expertise and the value of human problem-solving. While most rejected the idea that AI would reduce long-term demand for project managers, many expressed cautious optimism that it may generate new opportunities. No statistically significant differences were observed across career stages, suggesting broad consensus within the profession.</p><p dir="ltr">The study highlights a duality of optimism and caution in project managers’ attitudes toward AI. It underscores the importance of human-centred-AI adoption strategies that secure efficiency gains while protecting decision-making authority, professional expertise, and the long-term value of project management roles.</p>