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Ethical Programming of Algorithms: How t...

Gentile, Mary, Hun...

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Ethical Programming of Algorithms: How to Deal with Ethical Risks of AI Tools for Hiring Decisions? (B)

Gentile, Mary; Hunkenschroer, Anna Lena

OB-1402 | Published August 8, 2022 | 2 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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This case set is part of the Giving Voice to Values (GVV) curriculum. To see other material in the GVV curriculum, please visit http://store.darden.virginia.edu/giving-voice-to-values. Simon is a data scientist in the advanced analytics team of a large German corporation. In its hiring process, the company uses artificial intelligence (AI) that analyzes video interviews to create personality profiles of applicants. It is Simon’s job to further develop the AI software according to the needs of the HR department. In the A case, Simon is asked by his HR counterpart, Luke, to program the AI to display not only an applicant’s personality profile, but also the likelihood that they will soon become pregnant. Luke justifies the request by saying that it is important that applicants be physically fit and resilient, as they must be able to operate large machines, and he does not want to put pregnant workers at risk. Although Simon has the data points and capabilities to program the software as desired, he feels uncomfortable and wants to find a way to effectively enact his values. In this B case, Simon shares his concerns with Luke. This case is intended for use at the graduate/MBA level in courses on information technology management, technology development, data ethics, organizational behavior, and leadership and ethics; it would also be suitable for advanced undergraduates in these fields.

This case set is designed for students to be able to do the following: (1) Notice and identify potential ethical problems related to the design and development of new and evolving technologies, such as algorithms and AI software. (2) Learn how to develop, implement, and engage with new technologies in a responsible and ethical manner. (3) Recognize relationships between day-to-day business operations and the far-reaching implications they can have for individuals. (4) Develop a concrete action plan for a conflict situation, in which they must stand up for their values.