The Cambridge Analytica episode shows the responsibility challenges posed by data analytics and smart information systems, and the potential impact of their misuse including misappropriation of personal data, loss of trust in institutions, and reputational and financial damage to businesses.
At the same time, smart information systems offer new opportunities for firms to develop competitive advantage through new capabilities. Emerging technologies such as Hirevue indicate the potential new technologies offer, their implications in terms of personal data processing and operational and strategic human resource management (for example, the competencies required to operate new systems within the framework of employment law), and the extent to which previously-unknown technologies rapidly move into mainstream use with unpredictable consequences.
Responsible Research and Innovation offers a new way to consider issues of responsibility in relation to the management of information systems. The question of whether organisations that innovate responsibly will experience improved results is uncertain, and mirrors long-standing debates in areas such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and diversity management as to whether there is a business, as well as moral and legal case for responsibility, and if so, the conditions in which benefits can be achieved.
Research in this area has the potential to impact beyond the academic sphere – evidence of business benefits of responsible technology management is of interest both to companies, HR and information systems professionals, and to non-governmental organisations seeking to promote responsible use of technology and personal data.
The research question I will tackle, working in close collaboration with the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility at De Montfort University is the following:
I will focus on Human Resource Management information systems, and use of personal (for example employee) data.
What is Responsible Research and Innovation? (Orbit)
Causal loop diagram indicating organisational incentives for engaging with responsible research and innovation. Gurzawska et al. (2017), https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/9/10/1759
Bryce, V., Stahl, B., and Brooks, L. (2020). Paper 33. A meta-analysis of Responsible Research and Innovation case studies - Reviewing the benefits to industry of engagement with RRI. 18th International Conference on the Ethical and Social Impacts of ICT (Ethicomp 2020), 17-19 June 2020, La Rioja, Spain. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.25674.59846
Bryce, V., Leach, T., Stahl, B., and Brooks, L. (2022). Broadening our horizons – digital technology, metatechnologies, and their implications for responsible innovation. Novation. ISSN 2562-7147. https://doi.org/10.5380/nocsi.v0i2.91152
Wakunuma, K., de Castro, F., Jiya, T., Inigo, E. A., Blok, V., & Bryce, V. (2021). Reconceptualising responsible research and innovation from a Global South perspective. Journal of Responsible Innovation, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/23299460.2021.1944736
McBride, N., Cunden, M., & Bryce, V. (2021). How people analytics and AI are changing HR departments. People Management. https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/voices/comment/how-people-analytics-and-ai-changing-hr-departments
Bryce, V. (2021). Computing and social responsibility in Human Resource Management – looking back and looking forwards. Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility - 25th Anniversary CFP. https://www.ccsr.uk/2021/10/computing-and-social-responsibility-in-human-resource-management-looking-back-and-looking-forwards/
7005-2021 - IEEE Standard for Transparent Employer Data Governance. https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/7005/7014/ (Named contributor).
Bryce, V., Stahl, B., and Brooks, L. (2022). We need to talk about digital HR ethics! A review of the academic literature on ethical aspects of algorithmic Human Resource Management (HRM) technologies. Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development Applied Research Conference (CIPD ARC 2022), 26-27 January 2022, Manchester, United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.26318.38726
Bryce, V. (2022). Responsible management of innovative technologies -the case of Cambridge Analytica. Philosophy of Management Conference, 1-4 July 2022, Oxford, UK. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.16807.73121
Bryce, V., McBride, N., and Cunden, M. (2022). Post-COVID-19 ethics of people analytics. Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-09-2021-0096
CIPD (2024). Using technology responsibly: Guidance for people professionals. https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/guides/responsible-technology-use (Named contributor).
Bryce V. (2024). Hidden layers - exploring the values shaping our digital future. Responsible Digital Futures blogpost. https://www.responsible-digital-futures.org/news-and-blogs/hidden-layers-exploring-the-values-shaping-our-digital-future
Duffell, P. and Bryce, V. (2024). "The Wizard of AI" - Pulling back the curtains on generative AI conversations. Coaching at Work, Vol.19, Issue 3. https://www.coaching-at-work.com/the-wizard-of-ai/
Bryce V. (2025). AI - At what cost. Responsible Digital Futures blogpost. https://www.responsible-digital-futures.org/news-and-blogs/ai-at-what-cost