This article introduces ABC—Ask clearly, Be critical, Choose responsibly—as a practical framework for leading AI-supported work. Drawing on AI research and governance guidance, it explains how leaders can define tasks, verify outputs and authorize proportionate action while retaining accountability. Corporate and higher education examples illustrate source checking, risk-based oversight and explicit stop rules. ABC is presented as an iterative practice framework whose effectiveness remains open to empirical evaluation.
Keywords: AI governance; Artificial intelligence; Critical thinking; Human oversight; Leadership; Responsible decision-making.
Citation: Syed, J. (2026). Before You Act on AI: The ABC Framework for Leaders. SAAM Working Paper 202610. South Asian Academy of Management.
Discussion Questions
- When does AI assistance improve leadership decisions, and when might it weaken judgment?
- How could ABC help a leader respond to a persuasive but unverified AI recommendation?
- What would meaningful human oversight look like in your organization?
- Choose a task from your work. How would you apply Ask clearly, Be critical and Choose responsibly?
Copyright and Permissions: © South Asian Academy of Management. For classroom use, to order copies or to request permission to reproduce materials, email info@southasianaom.org or call (+92) 3291009981. This publication may not be digitised, photocopied, reproduced, posted, transmitted or distributed in any form without the prior written permission of the South Asian Academy of Management.
