Concerns Over AI Usage in Nonprofit Project Management

A senior project manager at a nonprofit organization has raised significant concerns regarding the quality of work produced by an intern, Lola, who has been suspected of relying heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) tools for report writing. This situation has led to missed deadlines and potential risks to project budgets due to inaccuracies in the reports generated.

The Cut

The nonprofit's office places a strong emphasis on providing meaningful training to interns, with nearly 80 percent of them being hired post-internship. Lola was assigned to write focus-group reports after participating in the sessions, receiving audio recordings, transcripts, and a structured report template. The project manager had previously encountered issues with another intern's AI-generated reports, which prompted a warning to Lola about the unreliability of AI for such tasks.

The Cut

Upon receiving Lola's initial report, the project manager identified numerous fabricated quotations and incorrect analyses, indicating that AI had likely been used. Despite providing detailed feedback, the subsequent reports continued to exhibit similar issues, suggesting that Lola was using AI to generate responses based on the manager's comments rather than developing her own understanding of the material. This pattern of behavior has led to frustration and concern about the intern's capabilities and the overall quality of work.

The Cut

The project manager is contemplating discussing Lola's performance with higher management, emphasizing the serious implications of poor-quality work on project budgets. It has been suggested that the manager should address the issue directly with both Lola and her supervisor, as the intern's reliance on AI is jeopardizing project timelines and outcomes. The advice indicates that it is essential to confront the situation head-on, given the potential consequences of inaction.

The Cut

While some may argue that AI can enhance productivity, the project manager's experience highlights the risks of over-reliance on such tools, particularly in contexts requiring nuanced understanding and critical analysis. The feedback provided to Lola has not resulted in improvement, raising questions about the appropriateness of AI in professional settings where accuracy and originality are paramount.

The Cut

Moving forward, the project manager is encouraged to advocate for closer supervision and additional training for Lola to ensure she develops the necessary skills for her role. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining quality standards in nonprofit work and the need for clear communication regarding the use of AI tools in professional environments.

The Cut

• “An employee assigned to help with your projects has been turning in work so shoddy that you’re missing deadlines and you’re seeing evidence that she’s jeopardizing your project budget.” — Alison Green, Career Advisor

The Cut

• “The problem is significant enough at this point that it’s worth naming what you suspect is going on.” — Alison Green, Career Advisor

The Cut

• “You should also talk to your manager (and to Lola’s, if that’s a different person) and explain what’s been happening.” — Alison Green, Career Advisor

The Cut