Maryam Washik

• Washik, Maryam & Heathcote-Fumador, Ida Eyi (2026). Constructing the Human-AI Boundary with Metaphors - A Demystification-Legitimation Paradox. In Misra, Sanjay; Kjølerbakken, Kai Morgan & Braarud, Per Øivind (Ed.), International Conference on Human Centric Artificial Intelligence (ICHCAI): First International Conference, ICHCAI 2026. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). ISSN 9798331551186. doi: 10.1109/ichcai70183.2026.11607677. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This paper examines a central challenge in human-centric AI (HCAI), which is, how practitioners in safety-critical organizations define and maintain the boundary between human expertise and AI capability during AI adoption, and what this means for meaningful human oversight. We conducted a qualitative cross-case study based on 28 semi-structured interviews in two Nordic transport organizations. Our analysis followed a two-stage approach combining inductive identification of metaphors with boundary work theory. We identify seven metaphor clusters shaped by a demystificationlegitimation paradox, where practitioners both frame AI as a simple tool to preserve accountability (e.g., wrench, moose gap) and as a driver of organizational change (e.g., cow paths, digital mirror/swamp, playground). Two metaphors (energy-saving animal, moving sideways) combine both functions. We introduce metaphorical boundary work to describe how figurative language constructs and manages the line between human and AI roles. These metaphors act as informal governance mechanisms that shape responsibility, professional roles, and AI legitimacy in practice. We also present the Metaphor Matrix as a reference tool for reflecting on such discourse in design and governance. The findings suggest that human-centeredness is not only a system feature, but an ongoing organizational process shaped through everyday language.

• Washik, Maryam; Masiero, Silvia & Hylving, Lena (2026). Tensions and Synergies Between Digital Sovereignties In AI Adoption. Proceedings of European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS). doi: https:/aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/govtrans/govtrans/12/. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This paper empirically investigates digital sovereignty by examining early AI adoption in a Nordic public transportation organization. We show how digital sovereignty goals evolve across individual and organizational levels as AI is introduced into work settings. Building on our findings, we develop the concept of bidirectional dynamics in digital sovereignties, applying a paradoxical view to interpret institutional control objectives and individual autonomy aspirations as persistent organizational tensions in AI adoption. The study extends digital sovereignty literature by showing how (i) digital sovereignty is an ongoing negotiation between organizational governance and individual autonomy, (ii) early digital transformation presents tensions but also synergies between digital sovereignty levels in AI adoption, and (iii) AI adoption can work as a capability-building process enhancing worker autonomy and organizational resilience. The paper demonstrates the bidirectional dynamics of digital sovereignty, highlights its risks and opportunities, and offers practical insights for organizational resilience and policy.

• Washik, Maryam; Hylving, Lena & Dina, Koutsikouri, (2026). Coping Strategies for Tensions Between Digital Data and Data Practices in Data-Driven Organizations. Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS). ISSN 1530-1605. p. 5749–5758. doi: https:/hdl.handle.net/10125/112085. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This paper examines how workers cope with digital data tensions in railway operations at a safety-critical and data-intensive transport organization in Sweden. We show that the material properties of digital data and data practices create tensions in work practices, resulting in technostress under high accountability and time pressure. We identify five coping strategies: workarounds, negotiations, modifications, compromises, and abandonments. These strategies are sociomaterial; blending technical fixes, tacit expertise, and informal networks, and show how workers enact data in practice. Our findings contribute an empirical account and understanding of digital data tensions in railway operations, demonstrating that coping enhances workflows and data quality, but introduces invisible labour and new complexities. Building on these findings, we extend theoretical discussions on digital data tensions, technostress and coping, and propose conceptualizing data as dialogue, where meanings are continuously negotiated, and as a capacity-building tool, where coping generates organizational learning and resilience over time.

• Washik, Maryam & Hylving, Lena (2023). Dynamics of Trust: Unpacking Trust in Human-AI Collaboration in Decision-Making. Proceedings of the American Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS). ISSN 3066-8743. p. 1507–1507. doi: https:/aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2023/sig_aiaa/sig_aiaa/11/. Full text in Research Archive

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• Washik, Maryam (2025). Ethical Considerations Of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Design. Full text in Research Archive

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