10-1108_978-1-80455-662-720230008
10-1108_978-1-80455-662-720230008
10-1108_978-1-80455-662-720230008
Abstract
Introduction: AI technologies are transforming the industrial sectors, and
the impact of AI technologies does not leave behind human resource man-
agement (HRM). From recruitment to development and payroll, AI has its
own impact. In recruitment, selection, training and development, compen-
sation, and remuneration AI play an important role.
Purpose: The main purpose of this chapter is to analyse the challenges
in adopting AI in HRM. This chapter investigates the various strategies
to overcome challenges encountered by companies while adopting AI in
HR practices. Moreover, this chapter also examines the role of AI in HR
practices.
Methodology: To achieve the purpose of this chapter, various case studies
were analysed and literature studies with emphasis on what types of chal-
lenges are face in adopting AI in HR practices. The authors of various
newspaper articles, books, published journals, and websites on AI analyse
the various newspaper articles, books, published journals, and websites on
AI in human resources (HR). Electronic databases are used as the most
effective technique to begin a literature search for the current overview,
specifically Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Emerald. In addition to
this, the application of AI in HRM practices used by leading organisa-
tions globally is also reviewed. The analysis used four keywords: HRM,
AI, challenges and adopting. This research has been conducted by search-
ing scholarly papers and relevant studies using similar keywords.
Findings: The adoption of AI technologies is continuously increasing in
HR practices. AI performs various HR functions such as recruitment, se-
lection, training and development practices, scanning resume, etc. Organi-
sations can be benefitted in many ways by adopting AI in HRM practices,
such as better employees engagement and relations, accelerating competi-
tive advantages and effectively utilising HR budgeting. The findings show
that many companies like IBM, Deloitte, Amazon, etc., adopt AI in their
HR practices.
1. Introduction
The world is now controlled by cutting-edge technology, and individuals can
sense it all around them. A few examples are numerous technologies that bring
revolution globally, such as the internet of things, blockchain, big data analytics,
mobile apps, and AI. Intelligence may be described as the capacity to acquire and
use relevant approaches for solving issues and achieving goals in an unpredict-
able, ever-changing world. A manufacturing robot that has been pre-programmed
is versatile, accurate, and persistent, but it is not intelligent (Saleh, 2019). In 1955,
retired Stanford Professor John McCarthy invented the phrase ‘’artificial intel-
ligence’’, which he explained as ‘‘the science and engineering of constructing
intelligent machines’’. Numerous studies have disclosed that humans can design
computers to perform in innovative ways, like playing games, but nowadays,
emphasise roots that can think, at least in part, as humans. AI is a subset of com-
puter science. It is like developing a computer program to perform various tasks
which need human intelligence to perform that tasks. AI refers to the research
and development that gives a computer and its systems the capacity to success-
fully complete a job that would normally need a human’s intelligence (2017). It
is a technology that can do several tasks that require intelligence to accomplish.
⦁⦁ AI is a technology that helps humans reassess how they study data and com-
bine information before using these insights to make better decisions.
⦁⦁ AI can move and perceive (Saleh, 2019).
2. Literature Review
AI is a notion based on the premise that the human cognitive process can be auto-
mated. AI in HRM is an emerging technology, and it is becoming a new phenom-
enon for researchers. Credric (2018) explained that AI is a branch of study that
attempts to reproduce human intellect features like thinking, reasoning, sensing,
critical reasoning, and so on, using logically directed computer programs. The use
of AI is increasing day by day in HRM practices. According to Stevenson (2019)
AI helps with the transition by enhancing the performance and accuracy of HR
functions by automating mundane tasks, enabling people to focus on develop-
ing unique talents like empathy, critical thinking, and innovation. Nevertheless, it
does not mean that AI will substitute the HRM practices entirely as Davenport
(2019) stated that AI appears to be capable of taking over most of the work per-
formed in the HR department, it is still a long way from totally replacing HR peo-
ple due to the ongoing requirement for human interaction when interacting with
personnel. AI technologies are used in many HR functions. This had also been
explained and examined by Verlinden (2019) that AI has become a crucial tech-
nique for recruiters, with 76 per cent of recruiters expecting that AI would have a
substantial influence on HR’s recruiting role. The most important function in HR
is recruitment, and AI is being utilised to replace manual applicant screening with
AI-powered screening to speed up this time-consuming procedure (Folick, 2016).
Reddy et al. (2018) conducted a study to know how AI impacts the recruitment
strategy. The research also sheds insight on the AI recruiting strategies utilised
by businesses. This study relies exclusively on secondary material sources such
as conceptual papers, numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, publications, and
websites to further examine the notion. To summarise the role of AI, it is the mix
of people and AI that results in data upkeep, cost and time savings for enterprises,
and increased accuracy and access throughout the entire recruitment process. Ian
Bailie examines the basics of AI and looks at how AI is being used in HR. It also
tells about large companies that have used AI. It was created for anyone interested
in learning more about AI’s possible applicability in HR. It looks at corporate
and academic sources to construct a picture of AI and its use in business, focus-
ing on HR. It focused on a few concerns, such as the budget for installing new
AI tools, whether technology has advanced enough return on investment (ROI),
whether HR has the technical expertise to deal with AI, and whether ethical
aspects should be considered when integrating AI technology.
AI also plays a significant role in the training and development of employees.
Employees need updated skills and knowledge to perform their assigned tasks
efficiently.
Adopting AI in HRM practices is a continuous process; thus, organisations
need endless training facilities to implement this technology in HRM. An exter-
nal hurdle to AI adaption includes data backup concerns, and if the third party
from another country is used, the firm will encounter challenges protecting
Challenges of Adopting AI 115
against hackers and guaranteeing data security (Md Suliman Hossin, 2021).
Few individuals believe that they will lose their jobs if AI is implemented. Some
researchers think that if research is going to overlooks the risks, AI will pose a
severe threat to humanity. Organisations may confront internal and external hur-
dles while implementing AI in HRM processes. The greatest impediment to AI
adoption is the fear of losing one’s job. AI causes a massive change in effort from
physical to technical, so it has such a negative reputation for taking over people’s
jobs (Spadafora, 2016). Jain (2017) stated that new skill sets for employees are
necessary due to the incorporation of AI within the HR department. Employees
frequently find it challenging to learn and adapt to AI tools and be competent in
the world of data technology. One more research conducted by Jarrahi (2018) and
discussed the benefits of AI for humans. AI has aided decision-making, coping
with ambiguity, and, most importantly, equivocality in judgement in organisa-
tions. Humans continue to play an important part in industry, and technologies
must rely on humans when subconscious decisions are required to analyse and
promote decision results.
The implementation of AI in an organisation brings the digital transforma-
tion to the company and effectively coordinates the different units such as HR,
marketing, finance, and production. This is proved by the study conducted by
Shweta Jain (2017) discusses how AI changes the entire organisation and brings
coordination to different functions of organisation and states that HR team can
implement the AI technologies and can get better results in all HR practices.
3. Significance of Study
This chapter will help policy-makers understand the advantages and relevance of
using AI in HRM practices in businesses. As reviewed by this study, there are vari-
ous challenges encountered by the HR department while adopting AI. This study
suggests strategies to overcome those challenges and enhance their HR practices’
effectiveness. This study explains the challenges in implementing AI in HRM and
strategies to overcome the obstacles. Many types have been done in the informa-
tion technology (IT) sector, and only challenges faced by HR in adopting AI are
explained. To cover the research gap, this study explains the various strategies to
overcome the challenges faced by HR in implementing AI in their practices.
4. Future Scope
This is qualitative research; there is a broader scope for the researchers to conduct
quantitative research to find out the impact of AI in HRM. Moreover, future
research on HR personnel’s perception to implement AI in HRM practices.
5.3. Chatbot in HR
In HR, AI is utilised to automate minimal, repetitive processes, freeing up time
for more strategic tasks. Chatbots are becoming increasingly popular, automate
basic HR functions such as benefits management and resolving frequent queries
or requests using AI techniques (HR Exchange Network Editorial Team, 2019).
When communicating with a computer naturally, the company can get greater
outcomes than when the company uses traditional, human-powered methods.
It is an intriguing contradiction that human-supervised communication is less
compassionate than automated communication. Chatbots may be used to assist
engagement with possible applicants and supplement the company’s internal
activities. This is especially useful in high-stress job conditions. For example, the
British NHS, a national healthcare provider, utilises CoachBot, a chatbot built
by Saberr, a London-based HR firm. The system conducts brief interviews with
employees, inquiring about difficulties and obstacles they face daily. In addition,
the chatbot may offer brief instructions to improve the team’s productivity and
well-being (Karczewski, n.d.).
6.6. Recruitment
According to Amla and Malhotra (2017) report, AI is used by barely 40% of
enterprises and industries. Digital technologies are being used by organisa-
tions like SAT, Facebook, and GE to screen, interview, and find fresh talent
for the recruiting process (Amla & Malhotra, 2017). Recruitment managers
may review applications using AI, and candidates receive prompt responses.
The chatbox system, also known as an automated responding machine, is
critical for resolving questions and issues related to the recruiting process in
a company.
Challenges of Adopting AI 119
6.9. Selection
HR managers may find the correct applicant in a short period using AI, and
technology can assist in identifying viable individuals with the needed skill sets
(Yawalkar, 2019). AI may also be used to assess candidates’ abilities and behav-
iours in real-world scenarios, resulting in a far more intelligent database for
recruiting choices, lowering acquisition costs, and enabling the HR department
to be far more strategic and less administrative (Ribeiro, 2020).
6.13. Onboarding
Once hired, candidates must complete a corporate orientation session led by HR
that introduces them to its culture, rules, and processes. AI might be the solution,
offering fresh applicants with relevant knowledge and resources.
120 Aradhana Sharma et al.
managers are worried about their personnel’s well-being in the workplace. The
question is whether AI can learn to make valuable decisions. The level of technol-
ogy now suggests that the answer is yes. However, it will most likely take a few
years to realise (Patil, 2018).
made aware of the consequences of crossing it. This will make the transition sim-
pler (Premnath & Arun, 2019).
⦁⦁ The foremost challenge faced was searching for relevant literature for this
research.
124 Aradhana Sharma et al.
⦁⦁ It was the stressful and time-consuming to gather relevant data for the study.
⦁⦁ Only secondary data is collected for analysis of the objectives of this
dissertation.
10. Conclusion
In the era of advancement, technologies play a vital role, and their position can
be ignored to gain competitive advantage and success in the businesses. Thus,
this qualitative research has found an interconnection between AI and HRM.
To ensure sustainable and effective HRM practices, organisations need to adopt
AI in HRM practices. Employee’s orientation programme, employee retention,
employee compensation and benefits, and employee reward systems are just a
few HR tasks where AI is being applied worldwide. HR’s recruitment and train-
ing and development operations are the two key areas where AI is most often
used. This technology enhances the effectiveness of HR functions. Still, there are
many challenges that are encountered in adopting AI in HRM, such as lack of
knowledge, support from top authorities, employee’s fear to lose their job with
the implementation of this technology, financial constraints, etc., these can be
overcome by adopting the strategies like transparency, hub-and-spoke strategy,
training to staff regarding AI implementation, reduce biases, and improve data
quality. HR departments all across the globe rely on human connections and soft
skills. In the foreseeable future, no computer will replace these abilities. However,
utilising AI in data and knowledge management processes may benefit HR. But,
organisations need to develop efficient and effective policies to ensure the practi-
cal adaptation of AI in HRM practices.
The HRM faces various challenges, such as privacy of data, talent gap, finan-
cial barriers, training facilities, etc. However, AI will assist HR in various ways,
including measuring employee engagement, supporting employee growth, match-
ing workers to skills, policies monitoring, competence verification, background
checks, person-organisation fit, employee referral networks, and talent discov-
ery. This study shows the various strategies to overcome the challenges encoun-
tered by HR in adopting AI in their practices. There is a need to change both
employers’ and employees’ attitude to implement AI in HR practices successfully.
Organisations should train their managers by creating awareness regarding AI
technology and the capabilities and limitation of AI technologies. Ethical and
moral issues cannot be ignored in adopting AI in HRM, and both HR personnel
must be trained and educated.
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