As AI continues to redefine the competitive landscape, mid-size B2B technology firms are increasingly faced with one critical question: Is our company culture ready for AI? While technical infrastructure, data quality, and strategic alignment are essential, the cultural attitude towards AI often determines the success or failure of adoption efforts. A company’s culture—its shared values, beliefs, and behaviours—can either accelerate or hinder AI transformation.
To help mid-size B2B firms evaluate their cultural readiness for AI, we propose a simple scoring framework based on key cultural indicators. This framework categorises organisational culture into four levels. Each level reflects a distinct mindset and approach to AI adoption and can give you a better understanding of where you sit and what needs to change for your organisation to fully embrace AI within your core processes.
Organisations scoring in this range typically exhibit scepticism, fear, or outright resistance toward AI. Leadership may view AI as a threat to jobs or a passing trend, and there is little to no open discussion about its potential. Employees are often unaware of AI’s capabilities or are actively discouraged from exploring new technologies. Change is met with resistance, and innovation is not rewarded.
Key cultural indicators include:
- Leadership expresses concern about job displacement due to AI.
- No formal communication or training about AI is provided.
- Employees are hesitant to experiment with new tools or processes.
- There is a lack of champions or advocates for AI within the organization.
- Innovation is not incentivised, and risk-taking is discouraged.
In this environment, AI initiatives are likely to stall or fail, regardless of technical readiness. The first step for such companies is to foster open dialogue, address fears, and begin educating teams about the benefits and realities of AI.
Firms in this range are beginning to recognise the importance of AI, but cultural adoption is still in its early stages. Leadership may acknowledge AI’s potential, but there is limited action or investment. Some employees are curious and willing to learn, but there is no widespread enthusiasm or clear direction.
Key cultural indicators include:
- Leadership has started discussing AI in strategy meetings.
- Some teams have experimented with AI tools, but adoption is inconsistent.
- There is a mix of excitement and uncertainty among employees.
- Training or awareness sessions about AI are offered, but participation is optional.
- Innovation is encouraged in pockets, but not organisation-wide.
While progress is being made, cultural barriers remain. To move forward, companies should focus on building a shared vision for AI, increasing transparency, and creating opportunities for hands-on experience with AI technologies.
Organisations scoring in this range have cultivated a culture that is open to and supportive of AI adoption. Leadership actively champions AI initiatives, and employees are encouraged to experiment and innovate. There is a clear understanding of AI’s role in driving business value, and teams are equipped with the resources and support they need to succeed.
Key cultural indicators include:
- Leadership has a clear AI vision and communicates it regularly.
- AI is integrated into strategic planning and performance goals.
- Employees are encouraged to propose and test AI-driven solutions.
- Training and upskilling programs are widely available and well-attended.
- Successes with AI are celebrated, and lessons from failures are shared openly.
- Cross-functional collaboration is common, and silos are actively broken down.
In this environment, AI initiatives are more likely to succeed and deliver measurable results. Companies should continue to reinforce a culture of continuous learning, empower employees to take ownership of AI projects, and ensure that ethical considerations are embedded in all AI efforts.
Firms in this top tier have fully embraced AI as a core part of their identity and operations. AI is not just a tool, but a fundamental driver of innovation, decision-making, and competitive advantage. The culture is characterized by curiosity, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.
Key cultural indicators include:
- AI is embedded in the company’s mission and values.
- Leadership and employees alike view AI as a natural extension of their work.
- Experimentation and iteration are part of the daily routine.
- AI literacy is high across all levels of the organization.
- Ethical AI practices are a priority, and governance is robust.
- The company actively contributes to the broader AI community through thought leadership and collaboration.
In an AI-native culture, the organisation is not just ready for AI—it is leading the way. Companies at this level should focus on sustaining momentum, staying ahead of emerging trends, and sharing their expertise with others.
Assessing your business’s cultural attitude towards AI readiness is a critical step if you’re seeking to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence and reap the benefits. By using the framework outlined above—scoring from 0 to 40 points— you can gain valuable insights into both your cultural strengths and areas for improvement. Whether your company is AI-resistant, emerging, ready, or native, the journey toward AI maturity begins with honest self-assessment and a commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, learning, and adaptability.
