Artificial intelligence (AI) are now the buzzwords in the world’s quantum leaps in technology. AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. The term may also be applied to any machine that exhibits traits associated with a human mind such as learning and problem-solving (Google). AI was also elaborately defined as the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making and translation between languages (Oxford Languages).
AI has now been a disruptor in work organizations, leading to radical changes in the workplace, and thereby even causing fears that AI, thru robotics, may eventually take over the jobs usually performed by humans. For that to become absolute, to my mind, may just be too far off in the future. What is more realistic now is to manage human talent to work in partnership with machines. That would explain why companies are now driving their people to be “digitally-ready”, meaning to have skills on AI and related subjects such as data science, analytics and cybersecurity. Being digitally ready also means that employees are willing and confident in performing work in a digital environment.
Before we get too absorbed in this frenzy, my first question is, where is this digitalization and AI all headed to? Honestly, I do not know and cannot find the answer. According to TIME Magazine, techies always pride themselves on their optimism and Silicon Valley was supposedly built on the idea that technology is a force for good. Reality however shows that technology also has downsides. As an example, the massive success of Facebook also eventually led to complaints, since the platform was also reportedly used to undermine human rights, privacy and truthful reporting. And cyber risks are never ending concerns of businesses. My next question is, where is “humanism” in all these developments? Let us not forget the human element. It remains essential in all endeavors. Would computers be really able to replicate man’s intuition and judgment? And assuming that, later on, thinking can be enhanced with a chip implanted in the brain, TIME Magazine says it is too scary and frightening that someone could write into our mind, create thoughts and ideas in our own brain, different from what we can generate as ordinary human beings.
On the “humanism” perspective, I still maintain and stand by these basic precepts:
First, companies and institutions become successful not necessarily because of technology but more because of people and their governance. Technology merely assists or serves as an instrument to achieve good governance. A “digitalized” culture is just a mere sub-set or a tool of governance.
Second, there are still functions which cannot be replaced at all by automation. These are the creative jobs, like that of inventors; the strategic jobs, like those of executives and decision makers; and the emphatetic and compassionate jobs, which require compassion, trust and empathy, like those of teachers, nurses and doctors. Notwithstanding AI and its progress, people will remain relevant.
Third, values are still essential in determining who are to join the ranks and perform for the institutions. To me, I would prefer values over skills of a person who does not exhibit good values at all. Should it be a “values-based” culture over a “digitalized” culture or vice-versa? The choice to me is easy. Technology is merely secondary. Values are still the foundation of governance.
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The above comments are the personal views of the writer. His email address is [email protected]