Organizational Psychologist Warns Companies About Overlooking Informal Networks in AI Adoption

PHOENIX, Oct. 1, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a ubiquitous tool in the workplace, a Phoenix-based organizational psychologist is warning companies that their efforts to integrate AI may fall short if they overlook the informal networks that shape employee behavior and trust. Dr. Deborah Peck, president and founder of Seity Insight, Inc., argues that simply buying AI tools and training employees to use them is not enough. Leaders must understand the hidden connections and informal relationships that influence how information and trust flow through the organization.

Peck, whose work spans technology companies, large enterprises, and public sector organizations, emphasizes the importance of organizational network analysis (ONA). This method helps leaders map the informal relationships that are often missed by traditional organizational charts. According to Peck, understanding these relationships is crucial for successful AI adoption and organizational change.

She notes that in a 2026 Gallup survey, 78% of employees at organizations that implement AI reported using it frequently if their manager strongly supported its use. This statistic underscores the critical role that leadership support plays in the adoption of AI.

Peck's work highlights the potential risks of neglecting informal networks. She warns that without understanding these connections, companies may face reduced trust within teams, which can lead to deadline or budget impacts. For example, in municipal first responder departments, succession planning can be complicated by the informal networks that connect key personnel. Similarly, in enterprise technology settings, teams that appear well-connected on paper may rarely exchange the information they need to collaborate effectively.

The author's experience spans a wide range of industries, from startups to Fortune 100 companies and public sector organizations. Her work has been featured in publications such as Scottsdale at Work, HR Tech, and AZ 2020 Resources for Growth Publication. Peck's insights offer a local voice on a national challenge, providing Greater Phoenix employers and public agencies with practical advice on managing growth, new technology, and workforce transitions.

For companies navigating the rapid growth of AI, Peck offers a nuanced approach. She advises leaders to identify the trusted guides during an AI rollout, understand where a retirement or departure might break the flow of knowledge, and recognize which teams are truly connected. Peck cautions that mapping relationships is a starting point for listening and planning, not a way to label employees as resistant to change. Clear expectations, useful tools, and a space for staff to raise concerns about privacy, workload, and the purpose of new technology remain essential.

Dr. Deborah Peck's work provides a valuable framework for companies looking to integrate AI effectively. By understanding the informal networks that shape employee behavior and trust, leaders can ensure that their AI initiatives are more likely to succeed. Her insights offer a practical guide for navigating the complex landscape of modern organizational change.