Generative AI Competencies – Framework and Maturity Model for Users in Their Work Settings

Authors

  • Sascha Armutat Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts
  • Malte Wattenberg Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5628-2877
  • Nina Mauritz Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts
  • Swetlana Franken Deutsche Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/icair.5.1.4371

Keywords:

Generative AI, GenAI Literacy, GenAI Skills, GenAI Competency Framework, GenAI Maturity Model

Abstract

The increasing use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is changing work processes in companies and requires new competencies from employees. While existing competency models primarily focus on general AI, they do not sufficiently account for the unique features of generative systems. The aim of this article is therefore to develop a specific AI competency framework and maturity model for the successful and reflective use of GenAI in a corporate context. Based on a design science approach, relevant skills were tested for their transferability, supplemented with GenAI-specific competencies, and operationalized along defined maturity levels. A consultation with experts was conducted to evaluate the model. The result encompasses three competency areas – digital/technological, social, and cognitive competencies – with a total of 18 individual competencies, mapped to three maturity levels of GenAI use in companies. The model supports researchers and practitioners alike in systematically assessing competency levels within companies, identifying potential areas for improvement, and developing targeted strategies for competency development.

Author Biographies

Sascha Armutat, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Sascha Armutat

is professor for human resources management and organization at the Faculty of Business at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts since April 2016. He represents the topics of Human Resource Management, Organization, and Leadership in teaching. He researches especially on questions of strategic human resources management in the context of agility and digitization, employer branding, and strategic workforce planning.

Malte Wattenberg, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Malte Wattenberg

was a research assistant at the "Denkfabrik Digitalisierte Arbeitswelt" at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Germany. His work and research focus, in particular, on the requirements of digital transformation, the use of AI in companies, and digital business models. His doctoral thesis was on customer engagement and social media communication.

Nina Mauritz, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Nina Mauritz

studied Business Psychology (B.Sc.) and Business Administration (M.A.) and has been a research assistant in various research projects at the "Denkfabrik Digitalisierte Arbeitswelt" at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Germany since 2015. Her research focuses on digitalization and AI and their impact on work and skills development from an occupational science perspective. She also lectures in the fields of marketing and psychology.

Swetlana Franken, Deutsche Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften

Prof. Dr. Swetlana Franken

studied engineering and economics and earned her doctorate in innovation management. She is a professor of business administration and management at the German University of Applied Sciences and co-leader of the "Denkfabrik Digitalisierte Arbeitswelt". Her research focuses on the impact of AI on work, skills, and leadership.

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Published

2025-12-04

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on AI Research (ICAIR 2025)

Section

Academic

License

Copyright (c) 2025 International Conference on AI Research

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.