We are in an age where AI and technological transformation is moving faster than we do which can lead to a host of assumptions. One of these is that machines are always right, though that is far from being the reality. The Institute of Analytics (IoA) believes we need to foster a culture where people feel both empowered to challenge the data and stay open to the possibility that data could offer insight. HR teams are perfectly placed to train employees to do just that.
That’s why the IoA is focusing on HR professionals for the launch of its new AI Essentials Tool Kit, encouraging businesses to see them as digital negotiators. Commenting on the idea, IoA Director of Education, Dr Clare Walsh, who contributed to the recent UK government’s AI White Paper, said:
“Sometimes we need machines to challenge what people think. We are likely operating with outdated or limited ideas, beliefs and understandings some of the time. Companies which continue to ignore this are playing a risky game.
“Modern analytics are very different from the mathematics everyone studied at school. The context of the data is everything; it’s what gives the data meaning which means there will be times when humans can see something contextual that a machine cannot. That’s the nuanced complexity we need people to understand and because it revolves around power issues, it’s a process that should be managed by HR.
“As long as both human staff and data analytics are viewing a problem with partial understanding, conflicts will arise. Whose side should you take? To be able to arbitrate between humans and the machines, it is important to understand the weaknesses and strengths of data analytics and AI. This requires a minimum understanding of what data analytics can and cannot do which goes far beyond looking at a spreadsheet.
“The IoA AI Essentials Tool Kit offers a simple gateway into understanding the power, potential and pitfalls of data analytics and AI. As long as AI is only understood by a select few experts such as data scientists, companies will struggle to work with it.
“To understand our AI Essentials Tool Kit, there is no need for people to carry out any analytics. It provides knowledge and insights enabling HR teams to contribute more meaningfully to discussions around upskilling in data literacy, building a robust data culture and managing the implementation of data processes in your organisation fairly immediately. For those who are keen to learn more, it is also an excellent introductory pathway into the world of hands-on data analytics.
“Human and machine teaming in the workplace is coming. Like any other member of the team, machines will need to be supervised and managed. Are you ready for the days of both human and machine talent management?”