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Analysis
Preparing the workforce for ethical and trustworthy AI
Where the C-suite is focusing AI implementation efforts
The widespread adoption of Generative AI has spurred conversations among leaders about the value of introducing guidelines for ethical AI. But are they actually doing it?
Inspired by the findings in Deloitte’s annual “State of Ethics and Trust in Technology” report, Deloitte surveyed 100 C-suite executives with a lens on preparing the workforce for AI. The goal? To understand how organizations are using AI, how they are educating their workforces on this topic, and how they are using ethics in their implementation plans, policies, and decision-making.
Our findings
Leaders see a pressing need for ethical AI guidelines—and believe those guidelines are essential to growing revenue and establishing trust.
- 88% of executives surveyed said their organizations are taking measures to communicate the ethical use of AI to their workforces, demonstrating leaders’ commitment to the responsible use of this technology.
- Among executives surveyed, publishing clear policies and guidelines was ranked the most effective method of communicating AI ethics to the workforce, followed by workshops and trainings.
- 55% of C-suite leaders believe having ethical guidelines for emerging technologies like Generative AI is very important as they relate to revenue, followed by brand reputation and marketplace trust (47%).
- Respondents indicated their boards of directors (52%), and chief ethics officers (52%) are always involved in creating policies and guidelines for the ethical use of AI.
- Among respondents, 49% report their organizations currently have guidelines or policies in place regarding the ethical use of AI, and another 37% of those surveyed said they are nearly ready to roll them out.
Leaders recognize the value of human talent and see how AI can elevate it.
- Respondents said their enterprises are actively training and upskilling their workforces (45%), acquiring organizations with AI capabilities and skills (45%) and hiring for AI (44%). These actions are helping to prepare their employees for the integration of AI, and roughly an additional 40% of those surveyed say they are close to ready to do the same.
- More executives surveyed said their organizations are currently hiring or planning to hire for specific positions to meet the ethical needs of emerging tech. Those positions include AI ethics researcher (53%), compliance specialist (53%), and technology policy analyst (51%), along with roles such as chief ethics officer (38%) and chief trust officer (36%).
Beena Ammanath
Deloitte - United States
Beena leads the Global Deloitte AI Institute and Trustworthy AI at Deloitte. She is the author of “Trustworthy AI”, "Zero Latency Leadership” and “HBR’s Year in Tech 2023” books. An award-winning senior executive with extensive global experience in AI and digital transformation, spanning across e-commerce, finance, marketing, telecom, retail, software products, services and industrial domains with companies such as GE, HPE, Thomson Reuters, British Telecom, Bank of America, E*Trade and a number of startups. Beena serves on the Nomination Evaluation Committee for NMTI at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She also serves on the Boards of AnitaB.org, WEF Centre for Trustworthy Technology, AACSB and the Advisory Board at Cal Poly College of Engineering. She has been a Board Member and Advisor to several technology startups. Beena thrives on envisioning and architecting how data, artificial intelligence, and technology in general, can make our world a better, easier place to live for all humans. Beena has been honored numerous times for her contribution to tech and her philanthropic efforts.
Kwasi Mitchell, PhD
Deloitte - United States
Kwasi is the Deloitte US managing principal—Growth & Purpose, leading overall client experience by bringing the breadth of Deloitte’s service capabilities and assets to the market to deepen client relationships and foster innovative growth opportunities across businesses and industries. Kwasi is also responsible for overseeing Deloitte’s purpose ambitions including how we help enable our clients to drive impact and value in their organizations, as well our own investments, commitments, and actions across areas such as sustainability, opportunity, and trust to help drive positive outcomes for our communities. Kwasi also serves on the Global DTTL Board of Directors. Throughout his career, Kwasi has successfully integrated teams to promote collaboration and innovation, driving both business and social progress. He established Deloitte’s first Purpose Office which focused on embedding Purpose throughout the firm’s actions, practitioner talent experience, and allocating resources to address complex societal issues. Additionally, he previously served as the Global Chief Sustainability Officer and has supported clients in various leadership capacities within Deloitte Consulting LLP, including positions in Human Capital, and serving as the former Government & Public Services Strategy & Analytics Strategy Offering Leader. Kwasi has a PhD in inorganic chemistry from Northwestern and an MBA from Drexel University. Today, he sits on several national and global nonprofit boards working to build a more equitable society. Kwasi lives in Washington, D.C., with his lovely wife, Kathleen.