‘Rhetoric’ and ‘Reality’ of Artificial Intelligence in Apparel Sector in Sri Lanka: Comparative Case Study

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformational force in today's rapidly changing business environment. The apparel sector in Sri Lanka increasingly embracing AI technologies for the forthcoming adoption of AI technologies within the industry. Referring to evidence from companies that have evolved in Sri Lanka's apparel sector, this study examines the gap between AI’s rhetorical promises and its practical (reality) application. It focuses on workplace perceptions of AI, bridging the gap between theoretical AI concepts and their implementation, the dynamics of integrating AI into organizational processes, future directions, and the reasons behind the adoption of AI technologies by case study organizations. Drawing from qualitative data, the study delves into the perceptions of AI among industry professionals, the integration of AI into organizational processes, and the strategic motivations behind adopting AI technologies. The findings highlight a significant disparity between the high expectations promoted by AI rhetoric and the reality and effectiveness of AI in practice. While AI is often heralded as a tool to enhance efficiency and reduce manual Labor, the reality within the case study organizations reveals a slower, more complex adoption process. This research paper further describes the rhetoric and reality insights of AI in case study organizations while extending the rhetoric institutionalism theory, how organizations develop specific rhetorical strategies when defining the organizational goals and how organizations strategically use symbols like (words and signs) to empower the ability of practicality in the organizations