Ready or Not? Examining Acceptance and Fears of Robots in the Labor Market: A Survey of a Polish Sample

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess attitudes toward robots among a Polish sample (N = 1044) using a series of questions focused on their perceptions within the labor market. Based on previous research, higher concerns toward and lower acceptance of robots were predicted for women, people performing manual and manual work, and people who are not familiar with robotics. The hypotheses were only partially confirmed. Orientation in the field of robotics is conducive to greater acceptance of the presence of robots in trust works professions. Unexpectedly, it turned out that people who declared performing physical work, compared to people performing other types of tasks, have a more affirmative attitude to the participation of robots in customer service occupations and to accept the autonomy of the robot to a higher degree. The results also showed that women are more concerned about the increased presence of robots in the labour market and less accepting of the replacement of humans by robots and the greater autonomy of intelligent machines. In addition, the analysis revealed that people with more knowledge in the field of robotics declare greater acceptance of the autonomous work of robots and in terms of replacing people with robots in the work environment, they also have fewer concerns about the market situation compared to those who do not consider themselves knowledgeable in this area.