A new framework for ethical artificial intelligence: keeping HRD in the loop

ABSTRACT

As a result of the rapid development of technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing human experiences and workplaces in ways that we are not prepared for. Recognized as a double-edged tool, AI has brought both positive and negative outcomes to organisations and employees. With its increasing popularity in the workplace and our daily practice, how to use AI intelligently and responsibly has become a top concern raised by both academics and practitioners. In this article, we discuss the desired and unintended consequences of AI as documented in current literature, examine the ethical concerns, and identify current solutions. We propose ‘keeping HRD in the loop’ as a means to addressing ethical challenges associated with AI and offer a new conceptual framework as a tool for reference. Integrating general AI principles and ethical guidelines developed by the Academy of HRD, we map out an ethical boundary consisting of nine human-centred principles and suggest a sample of six HRD interventions that can facilitate responsible AI practices and productive human-machine interfaces. By bringing HRD perspectives into the domain of AI practice, we hope to bring ethical considerations to the forefront of AI decision-making and stimulate more interest in interdisciplinary research and academic-industry collaboration.

KEYWORDS:

• Artificial intelligence
• human resource development
• ethical framework

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).