Artificial Intelligence in Decision-Making

exploring AI adoption and impact in the UK security services sector

Abstract

This study explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is adopted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK security services sector to support and improve decision-making. AI offers potential benefits, but security SMEs operate with limited resources, regulatory pressures, and reputational risks. The research aimed to examine current AI applications, evaluate their impact on decision quality, identify adoption barriers and enablers, and provide practical recommendations.  A qualitative approach was used, based on ten semi-structured interviews with senior managers. Thematic analysis identified five themes: uneven awareness, drivers such as efficiency and compliance, barriers including cost, skills and data issues, impacts on speed, accuracy and transparency, and ethical concerns around oversight and job security.  The study contributes to academic understanding by showing that AI adoption is a socio-technical process shaped by organisational readiness, ethics, and external demands. Practically, it offers a checklist for security SME managers, including modular adoption, workforce training, governance alignment, and leadership engagement. These findings are useful for senior managers in the security industry and regulatory bodies such as the Security Industry Authority (SIA).  In summary, AI can improve decision-making in security SMEs when adoption is gradual, supported by training, and guided by clear governance.