The Ethical and Economic Debate on Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

Assignment Brief

Using analysis and argumentation, write a researched, argumentative paper in which you:

• Introduce the problem and its relevance to the chosen field

• State your position with regard to the problem

• Provide evidence to support your opinion

• Anticipate and address/refute common counter-arguments

• Make recommendations for further exploration or solution

• Develop an annotated bibliography in which you will research and summarize data sources available to inform your paper.

Sample Answer

The Ethical and Economic Debate on Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

Introduction

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming modern workplaces across industries. From automated customer service systems to algorithmic decision-making in hiring and finance, AI promises efficiency, cost reduction, and innovation. However, its growing presence raises serious ethical and economic concerns. Critics argue that AI threatens human employment, deepens inequality, and introduces bias into crucial decision-making processes (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2017).

This issue is deeply relevant to the field of business management, where technology adoption must balance efficiency with responsibility. The central question is whether AI in the workplace creates more value than harm. This paper argues that while AI adoption can increase productivity and profitability, it must be implemented with strong ethical oversight, workforce reskilling, and transparent governance to ensure long-term social and economic sustainability.

The Promise of AI in the Workplace

Proponents of AI emphasise its ability to optimise operations and enhance decision-making. According to McKinsey Global Institute (2022), AI could contribute up to $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Businesses benefit from predictive analytics, improved customer insights, and automation of repetitive tasks.

In sectors like healthcare, AI systems assist in diagnosing diseases faster than human doctors, while in logistics, machine learning improves supply chain forecasting (Bughin et al., 2018). These innovations not only boost productivity but also allow employees to focus on higher-level creative or strategic roles. Thus, the argument for AI is rooted in economic growth and efficiency, suggesting that technological displacement can be offset by the creation of new, more skilled jobs.

The Ethical and Social Risks of AI Adoption

Despite its advantages, AI adoption poses major ethical and social challenges. One of the most pressing is job displacement. The World Economic Forum (2023) predicts that automation may eliminate 85 million jobs by 2025, particularly in manufacturing, transport, and administrative work. While new roles may emerge, they often require advanced technical skills, leaving lower-skilled workers behind.

Furthermore, AI systems can reinforce social bias. Research by O’Neil (2016) shows that algorithmic decision-making can reproduce existing inequalities in hiring, credit approval, and law enforcement when trained on biased data. This “black box” problem creates ethical dilemmas regarding accountability and transparency.

Another concern is the erosion of privacy and autonomy. Workplace surveillance tools powered by AI can monitor employee performance and behaviour in real time, raising concerns about consent and psychological pressure. These risks highlight the need for ethical frameworks that govern how AI is deployed in human-centred environments.

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