Will the use of AI in human resources create a digital Frankenstein?

Abstract

Organizations are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to manage human resource processes and practices (e.g., recruitment, selection, performance management, and compensation). However, it has long been known that these new systems create several ethical problems and dilemmas in organizations. As a result, the primary purposes of this paper were to review the major ethical and moral issues associated with using AI and ML for human resource management. In particular, we considered the potential for these new systems to violate ethical standards, and reviewed the degree to which AL and ML models affect (a) perceptions of invasion of privacy, (b) biases and unfair discrimination in employment decision making, and (c) the harm that may come to individuals and organizations from the erroneous data generated by AI and ML. We also offered strategies that organizations might use to overcome these critical ethical problems.