Trustworthy AI

Chapter 2Fair and Impartial

Like many organizations, BAM Inc. was short on skilled labor. The enterprise had all the ingredients to improve its bottom line, but to get there, it needed more people working the factory floors. The Chief Human Resources Officer, Vidya, was constantly reminded that HR needed to increase the number of job candidates. The company needed people with the technical skills for high‐precision machines, which required more brains than brawn.

To help dig through the mountain of resumes and applications, Vidya dusted off an AI system that had been moderately maintained but not used to its full extent. It was something her predecessor had brought into HR, and while Vidya preferred the traditional hands‐on process of reviewing applications, there were just too many for her and her team to go through fast enough to satisfy immediate workforce needs.

Without much coordination with the data and AI teams, Vidya turned the system loose on the resumes, looking for the perfect people to work in their high‐tech factories. Sure enough, resumes were flagged as deserving a closer look and consideration. It was just what they hoped for.

During an afternoon meeting, Vidya and the chief of operations were looking through potential hires.

“The AI made quick work of those applications,” she said. “What are your thoughts?”

To which the operations chief said, “These are almost all men. That's odd. Are women not applying to work here? Seems like a missed talent pool.”

At once, ...