Artificial Intelligence and Work: Transforming Work, Organisations, and Society in an Age of Insecurity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to transform organisations, institutions, economies, and societies. In sum, our entire lives. AI may free workers from dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks, facilitate new business models, and boost GDP. However, there are fears of widespread technological unemployment, as well as the erosion of agency, dignity, and human rights. This collection of essays is not a study of the latest thinking on computing or machine learning processes, instead they provide a critical account of how AI technologies impact work, organizations, society, and our planet. The aim is to challenge emerging narratives through the lenses of critical sociology, social justice, and environmental sustainability, that AI technologies are already embedded and causing harm but also through human agency AI can potentially bring humanity benefits. 

Biography 

John Bratton is Honorary Professor in the Management School at Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland. He has taught HRM and labour relations in UK and Canadian business schools for over 30 years. His research interests and publications have focused on the sociology of work, leadership and workplace learning. 

Laura Steele is a Reader of Business Ethics and Sustainability Education at Queen’s Business School, Queen’s University Belfast, where she also serves as the Director of Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability. Her teaching, research, and scholarship interests are situated at the intersection of ethics, responsibility, sustainability, and emerging technologies, particularly AI. In 2019, Laura developed a new postgraduate module on Artificial Intelligence in Business and Society, one of the first courses of its kind in the UK and Ireland. Laura has published on the topics of ethics, leadership, and the impact of digitalization. Laura is actively involved in the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) and was elected to the position of Vice-Chair of the UK and Ireland Chapter of PRME in 2023. Before joining the Business School, Laura worked predominantly in the public and voluntary sectors.

• PhD students and colleagues beyond BBS are welcomed.
• Hosted by Ed Granter (OWE) and Mattia Boscaino
• A lunch buffet and refreshments will be provided before the seminar from 12.30.