Abstract: 

Why is that we are nowhere near unlocking the complete potential of AI for Human Resource Management?

While AI systems and applications make headway into most organization functions, AI applications in Human Resource present unique trade-offs. On one hand there is the advantage of making efficient data driven algorithmic decisions based on systematic procedures and on the other, doubts around fairness of the outcomes linger in the minds of stakeholders. AI enabled tools hold the potential to be beneficially used in efficiently managing the end to end employee life cycle from attracting suitable candidates, selecting and recruiting high potential individuals, managing the employees to ensure higher engagement and performance by predicting potential issues in future performance and proactively working on retaining valuable employees that are at risk of attrition.

In this talk I will be diving deep into the simultaneous presence of trust and distrust in the AI driven decisions by employees and management alike, the human distrust and fear of being managed by a machine rather than an empathetic human-manager when it comes to deployment of algorithmic management of workforces. I will list out the specific technical challenges which are blocking the wide spread use of AI in HR functions and why the pace of adoption is slower than some of the other fields such as finance and healthcare. I will touch upon the perceptions of fairness, accountability and trust in AI driven decisions in the area and some ways in which these can be mitigated. How does the individual bias in recruitment decisions made by a human manager compare to those inherent in algorithmic hiring? Is one better than the other and why?

Bio: 

Seema Chokshi is the founder of Brainbox Solutions, guiding small and medium size firms in adopting AI to improve productivity. Seema is an established thought leader and expert with over two decades of experience in the field of Data Science. Seema learned about the power of data driven decisioning during the 2008 global financial crisis, as a part of the New York based niche credit risk management team, in the global financial services firm, American Express. Her love for inspiring the younger generation with her passion for the field, made her join Singapore Management University in 2013 as the Faculty and Founding Director of the university-wide Analytics Program. Over the years she has taught various graduate courses covering multiple aspects of Data Science. Seema has advised multiple organizations globally to set up productive Data Science teams. Seema is the author of multiple cases studies, available for purchase in the Harvard Business store, with focus on uncovering challenges that hamper trust in AI. Her research aims to uncover how Responsible AI can help companies inch closer to reaping full benefits of AI by minimising unintended consequences and instilling trust in the technology at the same time. Seema is a women's empowerment champion, guiding and mentoring women in navigating the challenges of their unique career journeys through women empowerment sessions and meetups.