Blog 3 - AI´s Partnership With HR

As digitalization continues to boom worldwide, questions regarding artificial intelligence and machine learning increase. Various industries are affected by AI, and human resources isn´t an exception. However, I want to discuss how AI is already seen in human resources and what to expect from it in the future. 

Artificial intelligence is often understood as a computer-controlled robot performing the tasks of humans with more efficiency and knowledge. More in-depth, AI is already used as a learning tool to help decision-making through recommendations and analytics. Additionally, it provides the interface for enabling the smooth delivery of HR functions and supports accomplishing tasks in less time. Also, AI enhances the overall value of HR by making processes quicker and mistake-free. (Rana 2018, 1-4)

 

Furthermore, HR is the only function in an organization that has a human touch to a large extent. Therefore, AI cannot directly replace the role of HR but rather result in the reclassification and redesign of jobs. Also, if all tasks are assigned to robots, the organization may never be able to sustain employees or their commitment to the organization. This is because coaching, mentoring, and leadership cannot be replaced by AI. (Rana 2018, 1-4) Additionally, there are questions if AI will decrease the fairness of HR processes since it´s missing the nuance and emotional intelligence of humans (Prause May 2022).

However, there are various opportunities associated with the efficient use of AI.

According to a post by Suresh (28 March 2023), the main opportunities include:

• Non-biased recruitment and selection processes,
• Efficient onboarding and training,
• Streamlined performance management and evaluation,
• Increased productivity,
• Cost savings.

Secondly, by automating administrative tasks, HR professionals can focus on employee engagement, personalized and interactive training, support, and talent development (Suresh 28 March 2023).

To summarize, AI can be seen as a potential threat, however, it cannot replace the importance of humans in HR. Even though it offers opportunities that support the HR personnel´s work, it lacks the empathy and understanding that are crucially needed in the role. Therefore, we should regard AI as a supportive partner of HR.

Figure 1. Human Resource in The AI - Age (Mobinius 2020)

Sources

Mobinius 2020. Human Resource in The AI - Age. URL: https://www.mobinius.com/blogs/importance-of-artificial-intelligence-technology-in-hr/. Accessed: 19 September 2023.

Prause, J. May 2022. Up for Debate: Is AI The Future of HR? Forbes. URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2022/05/25/up-for-debate-is-ai-the-future-of-hr/?sh=66b0f91c5b77. Accessed: 19 September 2023.

Rana, T. 2018. The Future of HR in the Presence of AI: A Conceptual Study. ITM Business School. Mumbai. URL: https://deliverypdf.ssrn.com/delivery.php?ID=505074082114096018096003121002106029049047056084030089124065094009123066127098071002052103055052104116023097114127003078083096028045036041065026023102030005028014025077028077027081123081096093068088090117071121022067004024080111127124125119002120083126&EXT=pdf&INDEX=TRUE. Accessed: 12 September 2023.

Suresh, M. 28 March 2023. The Rise of AI and Automation in HR: Opportunities and Challenges. LinkedIn Post. URL: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-ai-automation-hr-opportunities-challenges-madhavan-suresh-/. Accessed: 19 September 2023.