Irma Becerra, president of Marymount University, recently discussed the ethical considerations of AI with the university’s Board of Trustees. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI does not hinder students’ opportunities for growth and learning. While AI offers many benefits and advancements, it also raises ethical concerns that must be addressed by all leaders within their organizations.
Some ethical concerns about AI include the potential for generative AI to create harmful content, disregard copyrights, unintentionally disclose sensitive information, and amplify biases in data. Additionally, the increased productivity promised by AI could result in the loss of jobs, particularly for those that do not require a college degree. Leaders must help employees adapt to AI-driven changes and take concrete steps to address potential social risks and misuse of the technology.
Leaders play a crucial role in championing ethics in the age of AI, as decision-making in this era presents uncertainty and rapid change. It is essential for organizations to establish a solid ethical framework rooted in strong principles and values. Employees should be educated about AI, its limitations, and how it can augment their work. By building trust through transparency, organizations can empower their employees to make responsible decisions about when and how to leverage AI tools.
As a university president, Irma Becerra highlights the importance of using AI to augment learning rather than becoming a crutch or being used unethically. Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) can enhance student learning by providing step-by-step guidance, personalized feedback, and data analytics to identify areas of weakness. By leveraging AI in education, instructors can tailor their teaching strategies to address students’ individual needs and improve learning outcomes.
To ease concerns and promote communication about AI, organizations should establish clear communication channels for employees to raise ethical issues. Training on responsible technology use should be provided to all employees to ensure that AI tools are used appropriately and effectively. By fostering an open culture for reporting ethical issues and providing ongoing training and support, organizations can navigate the changes brought about by AI while maintaining high ethical standards.
In conclusion, leaders must champion responsible AI use and hold themselves and their teams accountable for seeking ethical outcomes. It is crucial to shape a future where AI serves as a force for good by maintaining high ethical standards and acting with courage and integrity. By proactively addressing ethical concerns, organizations can ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically to benefit employees and society as a whole.
