In the domain of Corporate Ethics and Compliance, one hammer is used to establish ethical behaviour – training. In many cases, this training consists of the transfer of knowledge with respect to rules, regulations, and code of conduct. While this is important, it will not be enough to handle concerns associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems and its use.
What is missing from many organizations are the skills to make ethical decisions which have more to do with values and meaning rather than measurements and metrics – qualitative rather than quantitative decision making.
These skills are no longer valued by some in favour of algorithmic and numerical decision making otherwise known as machine-based decisions.
How will organizations keep humans in-the-loop when the loop no longer involves human decision making?
This is where compliance comes in.
Compliance at its core is an ethical endeavour to stay between the lines and ahead of risk.
When decisions are made to proceed with a course of action (for example, to use or not use AI, in the presence of uncertainty and the possibility of loss or harm, we are making an ethical choice. The commitments that are then made reflect the values we have prioritized.
Unfortunately, all too often, top management goes straight from setting a course of action to specifying boots-on-the-ground tasks. It's no wonder why corporate and ethical compliance are struggling. Ethical dilemmas are not considered, risk is not evaluated, and operational capabilities are not adjusted to stay between the lines and ahead of risk.
Frankly, the message now seems to be, "attend the training and do the tasks."
In the not too recent past, middle management used to do the translation work between top management and boots-on-the-ground activity. But no longer as many have removed these roles to flatten their organizations.
The skill of making ethical decisions now resides with those who directly own the obligations and compliance teams.
That's why I believe our upcoming micro program, "Ethical Decision Making Involving AI" is so important.
You will learn how to make ethical choices supporting responsible and safe AI along with your other compliance obligations.
Can you help us out?
I am looking for compliance practitioners who are interested in trying out this micro program (2 hours / week for four weeks) and provide us with feedback. The number will be limited. Message me to let me know if you would like to participate (ray.laqua@leancompliance.ca)