Ethical Considerations and Challenges of AI Adoption in Project Management

Abstract

Emerging technologies have never been ethically neutral, and there is a growing public concern regarding their ethical implications. Deloitte has recognized the importance of ethical considerations in driving digital transformation. While traditional ethical principles have stood the test of time, there is a pressing need to examine their relevance in our increasingly digital world. Global leaders such as the World Economic Forum, alongside professional organizations, are actively conducting surveys to gauge the impact of ethics on corporate governance. UNESCO has issued warnings about the crucial ethical dimension associated with AI while introducing the ‘Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence’. The ethical dimension of AI is also gaining traction in the project management environment. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI) survey, AI is reshaping project management, with 81% of professionals acknowledging its impact. Furthermore, Gartner predicts that AI will significantly reduce the project management workload by 80% by 2030. To delve deeper into the ethical considerations and challenges linked to AI adoption in project management, the author conducted a survey. However, the question remains: Is this alone sufficient to ensure a sustainable and ethical digital future? To explore this, the author conducted a survey aimed at assessing the current state of ethics in the digital realm, the extent of AI usage in project environments, and the ethical considerations accompanying its implementation. Drawing insights from the feedback of 66 survey participants, this paper outlines key findings and hints at potential avenues for further research. The robust representation of respondents (55% out of 66) with backgrounds in project environments significantly bolsters the survey’s reliability and credibility. Beyond highlighting the ongoing relevance of ethical concerns, the survey underscores the pressing need for heightened ethical awareness. It also underscores the necessity of addressing ethical dilemmas associated with AI usage, emphasizing the pivotal role of project leaders in adopting AI in their projects. Additionally, the survey sheds light on a specific group of respondents, predominantly females, who exhibit limited knowledge or interest in project management, ethics, or AI. This observation prompts an exploration of gender-related factors and underscores the importance of tailored educational campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and fostering female inclusion in project management, AI, and ethics-related discussions.