Don’t write, manage! Researcher as manager of systematic literature review process in management

Purpose: This article proposes a methodological procedure for integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) into the process of preparing systematic literature reviews (SLRs) for management.It addresses a gap in the literature related to the researcher's evolving role, from executors to managers, in AI-assisted academic writing.Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a conceptual and methodological approach.Building on the literature on SLRs, process management, and AI, this study introduces a model in which the researcher manages the SLR process, supported by GAI tools such as ChatGPT, Elicit, and SciSpace.The model follows the sequential stages of SLRs and adapts each step to collaboration with AI.Findings: This article presents a detailed step-by-step framework, showing how GAI can support scoping review, research problem formulation, literature selection, data extraction, and synthesis.The study illustrates that GAI can improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, while emphasizing the critical role of the researcher in quality control and decision-making. Research limitations/implications:This study is methodological-conceptual, and does not empirically test the proposed framework.Future studies should validate its effectiveness in various academic disciplines and examine the ethical challenges related to AI-generated content, authorship, and academic integrity.Practical implications: The proposed model could serve as a practical guide for researchers and institutions seeking to integrate GAI into their research workflow.This may be particularly useful for early career scholars and non-native English speakers seeking support in literature review processes.Social implications: GAI may democratize access to academic publishing by simplifying complex systenatic literature review processes.However, it also raises societal questions about intellectual labor, transparency, and responsibility in scholarly communication.Originality/value: This article is among the first to conceptualize the researcher as a manager of AI-driven writing processes in SLRs.It provides an innovative, structured approach for integrating GAI into academic research and is relevant to management scholars and those interested in innovation in research methodology.