Ethical Impacts, Risks and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Business Consulting: A New Modelling Approach Based on Structural Equations

Artificial intelligence (AI) affects all aspects of a business, significantly contributing to problem-solving and introducing new operational processes within companies. Interest in AI is growing due to its capacities regarding the efficiency of operations, reduced working time, and quality improvem...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Andrea Gînguță, Petru Ștefea, Grațiela Georgiana Noja, Valentin Partenie Munteanu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-03-01
Series:Electronics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/12/6/1462
Description
Summary:Artificial intelligence (AI) affects all aspects of a business, significantly contributing to problem-solving and introducing new operational processes within companies. Interest in AI is growing due to its capacities regarding the efficiency of operations, reduced working time, and quality improvements. However, to ensure proper development, businesses should also address the ethical effects generated by AI technologies. This research aims to identify AI’s ethical impact and associated challenges in the business consulting industry and the consultants’ perspective on AI’s future implementation in their specific sector. The methodology is based on the design of a structural equation modelling using data collected through a survey addressed to business consultants. The results highlight that ethical concerns are positively correlated with the identified harmful consequences of AI, such as high implementation costs, the possibility that this technology will lead to job losses, or a lack of human interaction and creativity. The consultants’ perspective on the future aspects of AI’s use in business consulting is negatively impacted by the following ethical outcomes: discrimination, invasions of privacy, denial of individual autonomy, unjustifiable results, and disintegration of social connection.
ISSN:2079-9292