Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova-American Romanian Academy of Arts & Sciences

"A Conversational Agent as a personal and professional development tool for healthy aging and sustainable living"

Maria Karyotaki, Dr. Athanasios Drigas, Prof. Charalabos Skianis 

University of the Aegean, Samos, Northern Aegean, Greece

 NCSR Demokritos, Agia Paraskevi,  Athens, Greece

Abstract

Purpose: Our research is centered on designing and developing a digital tool in promotion of healthy aging and sustainable living. The tool builds on users’ systems thinking approach, in which self-awareness and social-conscious thinking processes reflect on individuals’ personal and professional development, respectively. More specifically, this tool emphasizes on cognitive flexibility and self-leadership in order to attain a work-life balance. The tool architecture embraces the goals set by the European Pillar “Employment, Social Affairs andInclusion” as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States. 

Design/methodology/approach: We proceed with in-depth analysis of the knowledge, skills and values that underpin the following pillars: Human Resources Management, Social & Emotional Well-being, Herzberg’s Theory of Motivation, Vygotsky’s Theory of Social Constructivism as well as Theories of Triarchic Intelligence. The user interacts with the agent in an orchestrated, dialogic form, thus accessing rigorous and interdisciplinary scientific knowledge at the push of a button. The agent offers a personalized training experience by providing an introductory questionnaire, forming the user's cognitive profile.

Findings: The current tool is designed to provide tailor-made training experiences with the aim to endorse self-improvement and lifelong learning skills, while enhancing the performance of project teams and organizations. Furthermore, the skills, values and self-beliefs addressed can promote active and healthy aging as well as sustainable living societies, in the long run. 

Research limitations/implications: The conversational agent operates on the rationale of indulging the user in performing an inner dialogue. Therefore, the tool demands the user’s sustained attention as well as it must be tested on its effectiveness in long-term studies. 

Practical implications: The target group of the tool is broad as its potential users are adults, but especially seniors, employees and managers in the labor market, educators, researchers, scientists and everybody in search of healthy aging as well as in need of personal and professional development. Also, project managers and stakeholders in the field of human resources can use the tool to invest in human capital for successful management and effective policies. Furthermore, our app should be used by stakeholders in the field of education who have a key role in maintaining a sustainable and dynamic society. By dynamic society, we mean a society that is founded on a framework of skills, values and self-beliefs that can bring about health and individual success for citizens. 

 “A Conversational Agent as a personal and professional development tool for healthy aging and sustainable living”