The ethics of AI: Pursuing accountability for assured data to make right decisions

Abstract

AI disruptions will bring vast benefits and challenges to companies. One key question remains: How can companies overcome corporate accountability challenges in the AI age? To answer this question, the article explores how to assign accountability when artificial intelligence systems are involved in decision-making. As AI becomes more widespread, who should be held responsible if these systems make poor choices is unclear. The traditional top-down accountability model, from executives to managers, faces challenges due to AI’s black-box nature. Approaches such as holding developers or users liable have limitations as well. It is argued that shared accountability across multiple stakeholders may be optimal but supported by testing, oversight committees, guidelines, regulations, and explainable AI Concrete finance, customer service, and surveillance examples illustrate AI accountability issues. The paper summarizes perspectives from academia and business practice on executives’ and boards’ roles, including mandating audits and transparency. It concludes that while AI accountability models remain debated, decision-makers must take responsibility for the technologies deployed. The article suggests combining prescriptive accountability rules and data quality evaluation frameworks can optimize resources to enhance AI-assisted decision-making, align regulatory requirements, respect stakeholders, and exploit competitive advantage using advanced technology.