STAGES: A model for responsible deployment of artificial intelligence
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The accelerated deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) at an unprecedented pace leads to new opportunities and risks for organisations and their ecosystem. To support management and regulatory efforts with a deeper understanding of responsible conduct, this study addresses a salient research gap by developing a new theoretical model to describe the tenets of responsible deployment of AI. Applied through a grounded theory approach, existing adoption and integration practices are explored by drawing on literature studies and semi-structured interviews with 17 participants with professional experience with AI in an international context. Themes are synthesised through the Gioia technique. The theoretical model is underpinned by an objective-execution-outcome structure and described by the mnemonic STAGES. The contribution of the study is a new theoretical model to explain and encourage responsible deployment of AI, and explicate which elements organisations should consider when designing internal policies, and to further inform decision-making by management, and regulatory efforts.
Source: AI and Ethics
Author: Emile du Plessis
Institution: University of Cape Town
Language: English
Subfield: Artificial Intelligence
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W7225627941