Call for Papers

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into organizational frameworks signifies a shift not only in technological capabilities but also in the fundamental ethos governing human-system interactions. This paradigm shift introduces a spectrum of ethical considerations (e.g., bias and discrimination, privacy violation, loss of human autonomy, job displacement, manipulation and social influence, environmental impact, to mention a few) that are as critical as they are complex (Attard-Frost et al., 2023; Benbya et al., 2020; Martin, 2019; Jobin et al., 2019). In response to these ethical complexities, the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted in November 2021, emerges as a comprehensive guide. It offers a framework for aligning AI implementation with principles that uphold human dignity, environmental stewardship, and social justice. This aligns with Bostrom and Yudkowsky’s (2014) emphasis on the necessity for AI’s evolution to harmonize with human ethics, recognizing the profound implications of AI in reshaping societal norms and values.
 
Our objective is to catalyze a nuanced, multi-disciplinary conversation around an ethical integration of AI into organizational structures and cultures (Schultz & Seele, 2023). This exploration seeks to understand how the infusion of ethical considerations into AI systems might challenge and redefine traditional concepts of creativity, innovation, and competitive strategy within the corporate world. The UNESCO Recommendation highlights the imperative of safeguarding human rights and environmental integrity, placing a special emphasis on ensuring equitable access to AI advancements, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations. Incorporating the insights from Bankins and Formosa (2023), it becomes crucial to consider how AI-driven resource allocation decisions can contribute to meaningful work, enhancing the value and significance of human roles in an increasingly automated environment. Additionally, drawing from Csaszar and Steinberger’s (2022) perspective, we should explore the conceptualization of organizations as artificial intelligences themselves, understanding how the use of AI analogies in organization theory can offer fresh insights into organizational dynamics and decision-making processes.
 
Furthering this discourse, George et al. (2016) illustrate the transformative role of AI and big data in modern management practices, highlighting the emergent ethical and managerial challenges. Floridi and Cowls (2022) advocate for a unified framework in AI's societal applications, stressing the importance of embedding ethical principles to ensure AI serves broader societal interests and respects human dignity. Daugherty and Wilson (2018) explore AI’s potential in redefining organizational structures and work paradigms, advocating for a responsible approach to AI integration that maximizes its transformative potential while upholding ethical standards. Enriching this dialogue, Zuboff’s (2019) critical analysis of AI-driven data practices raises important questions about the impact of these technologies on organizational ethics and individual privacy. Similarly, Kaplan and Haenlein (2020) delve into the intersection of AI with organizational strategy, arguing for the strategic importance of ethically aligned AI deployment in securing competitive advantage and spurring innovation.
 
The concept of “bounded automation”, as proposed by Fleming (2018), provides a critical lens to understand the limits and potentials of AI in the organizational context. It suggests that the application of AI in workplaces is shaped not just by technological capabilities but also by socio-organizational forces, such as labor pricing and organizational power relations. This perspective challenges the narrative of a jobless future dominated by AI, instead pointing to how current socio-economic conditions and power dynamics within organizations influence the deployment of AI technologies.
 
This perspective aligns with the observations by Okwir (2023) and Soekijad (2023) who discuss how the utility of technology in employment is shaped by organizational forces and the ethical dilemmas that organizations need to deal with in order to avoid job replacement. The idea of ‘bounded automation’ is exemplified by the persistence of human-operated call centers despite predictions of their complete automation. This indicates that while AI has the potential to transform work, its impact is mediated by existing organizational structures and socio-economic conditions. Recognizing the nuanced interplay between technological advancement and socio-organizational forces, as illustrated by the concept of ‘bounded automation’, leads us into a deeper exploration of how AI can be ethically integrated into organizational practices, fostering environments where technological innovation aligns with ethical standards and contributes positively to societal well-being.
 
This sub-theme is dedicated to probing how these ethical values and principles can be effectively operationalized within organizations. It aims to foster a milieu where AI is utilized responsibly, ethically, and in a manner that aligns with the broader well-being of humanity and the environment. Our goal is to contribute to an academic discourse that not only comprehends but actively guides the ethical deployment of AI in organizational contexts, ensuring that the benefits of AI harmonize with societal and environmental well-being.
 
As we delve into the complex and evolving landscape of ethical AI deployment in organizations, we invite researchers to explore and contribute to this critical discourse. To stimulate thought and inspire innovative research, we propose some key research questions. These questions are aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that AI presents in ethical, organizational, and societal contexts:

• How do ethical considerations in AI deployment influence organizational creativity and innovation processes?

• What are the implications of ethical AI frameworks on the traditional organizational structures and decision-making paradigms?

• In what ways can AI ethics contribute to fostering a culture of sustainable innovation within organizations?

• How does the integration of ethical AI impact employee engagement, creativity, and productivity in various organizational contexts?

• What role do ethical considerations play in the development and implementation of AI-driven organizational strategies?

• How can organizations balance the drive for technological innovation with ethical responsibilities in AI deployment?

• What are the challenges and opportunities for organizational leaders in embedding ethical AI practices within their companies?

• How do different organizational cultures interpret and implement AI ethics, and what impact does this have on creativity and innovation?

• What methodologies can be used to assess the impact of ethical AI on organizational performance and competitive advantage?

• How does ethical AI influence the dynamics of team collaboration and creative problem-solving in organizations?

• What are the ethical implications of AI-driven customer insights and their impact on organizational innovation strategies?

• How do organizations navigate the ethical dilemmas presented by AI in high-stakes industries like healthcare, finance, and legal?

• In what ways can ethical AI foster or hinder diversity and inclusion within organizational creativity and innovation?

• What best practices can be identified for integrating ethical AI considerations into organizational change management?

• How can AI ethics be effectively communicated and implemented across different levels of an organization to enhance creative and innovative outcomes?

References

• Attard-Frost, B., De los Rios, A., & Walters, D.R. (2023): “The ethics of AI business practices: a review of 47 AI ethics guidelines.” AI and Ethics, 3, 389-406.

• Bankins, S., & Formosa, P. (2023): “The ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for meaningful work.” Journal of Business Ethics, 185, 725–740.
• Benbya, H., Davenport, T.H., & Pachidi, S. (2020): “Artificial intelligence in organizations: Current state and future opportunities.” MIS Quarterly Executive, 19 (4), 9–21.
• Bostrom, N., & Yudkowsky, E. (2014): “The ethics of artificial intelligence.” In: F. Ramsey & V.C. Müller (eds.): Cambridge Handbook of Artificial Intelligence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 316–334.
• Csaszar, F.A., & Steinberger, T. (2022): “Organizations as artificial intelligences: The use of artificial intelligence analogies in organization theory.” Academy of Management Annals, 16 (1), 1–37.
• Daugherty, P.R., & Wilson, H.J. (2018): Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI. Boston: Harvard Business Review Press.
• Fleming, P. (2019): “Robots and Organization Studies: Why Robots Might Not Want to Steal Your Job.” Organization Studies, 40 (1), 23–38.
• Floridi, L., & Cowls, J. (2022): “A unified framework of five principles for AI in society.” In: S. Carta (ed.): Machine Learning and the City: Applications in Architecture and Urban Design. New York: John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 535–545.
• George, J.M., Osinga, E.C., Lavie, D., & Scott, B.A. (2016): “Big data and data science methods for management research.” Academy of Management Journal, 59 (5), 1493–1507.
• Jobin, A., Ienca, M., & Vayena, E. (2019): “The global landscape of AI ethics guidelines.” Nature Machine Intelligence, 1, 389–399.
• Kaplan, A., & Haenlein, M. (2020): “Rulers of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence.” Business Horizons, 63 (1), 37–50.
• Martin, K. (2019): “Ethical implications and accountability of algorithms.” Journal of Business Ethics, 160 (4), 835–850.
• Okwir, S. (2023): “Media Review: Robotization of Work? Answers from Popular Culture, Media and Social Sciences.” Organization Studies, 44 (7), 1195–1198.
• Schultz, M.D., Seele, P. (2023): “Towards AI ethics’ institutionalization: knowledge bridges from business ethics to advance organizational AI ethics.” AI and Ethics, 3, 99–111.
• Soekijad, M. (2023): “Media Review: New Laws of Robotics.” Organization Studies, 45 (5), 770–772.
• UNESCO (2022): “Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.” Available online at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381137.
• Zuboff, S. (2019): The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power. New York: Public Affairs-Hachette Book Group.
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