Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Human Resources

Part I: Learning

What is AI?

Based off the article from Built In, Artificial intelligence (AI) can be described as building a wide range of computers or smart machines that are capable of doing tasks that require human intelligence.[1] There are multiple approaches to AI and with the advancements that are being set in place, and almost every sector in organizations are shifting towards utilizing AI for their jobs. Staring off in the 1950’s, Alan Turning laid down the foundation of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Adding a modern approach to AI, Stuart Russell and Peter Novig developed different approaches that defined the field of AI. These four approaches are:

1. Thinking humanly
2. Thinking rationally
3. Acting humanly
4. Acting rationally

[2]

Thinking humanly and rationally describe the thought processes and reasoning and acting humanly and rationally refer with the behaviours behind the artificial intelligence.[3]

The Basic Components of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing ways in which humans interact with data which then enables them to make better decisions. These basic components include:

1. Machine Learning
2. Neural Network
3. Deep Learning
4. Natural Language Processing
5. Computer Vision
6. Cognitive Computing

Machine learning refers to the AI’s ability to automatically learn and improve from experience. Deep Learning is concerned with the employment of artificial networks that learn by processing data such as voice assistants like Siri. Enabling deep learning are neural networks which are computer systems that are modeled after neural connections in the human brain. Cognitive computing looks to recreate the human thought process and looks to improve interaction between humans and machines. The natural language processing enables computers to understand, recognize, and produce human speech. Computer vision identifies patterns towards interpreting images such as graphs, tables, as well as text and video.[4]

Get Help With Your Essay

If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help!
Find out more about our Essay Writing Service

Different Types/Tools of Artificial Intelligence

There are four particular types of AI that organizations utilize. They vary from simple reactive systems to more complicated and self-aware machines. Reactive machines are very basic AI systems that only have the capability to react and can not form memories. An example is playing the computer in a simple video game such as chess or checkers. The next AI type is limited memory which refers to machines that are able to look into the past. An example are self driving cars which have limited memory in order to identify different objects and obstacles that may be encountered on a road. The next tool is called the “theory of mind”, similar to the psychology concept, this is how machines in the future will look into our behaviours while adapting and adjusting to us accordingly. Lastly, self-awareness is a type of AI that is looking to build machines that are capable of having a consciousness so that researchers can eventually build towards machines that are impeccable at classifying whatever they see in front of them.[5]

Advantages of AI

Forbes, Vishal Maria describes the significance and capabilities that AI can have in the near future. AI has the advantages to help improve human intelligence and gain some value from data collected. The first movers that are using AI in the workplace can experience a gain in competitive advantages. Some competitive advantages include reduce costs and remove head counts. Even though the job opportunities are low, a dramatic increase can be taken place in the foreseeable future. AI will have the ability to replace jobs that require tedious problem-solving tasks and will go beyond human thought processes. This will lead to increased productivity with the use of more automation which could increase revenue in the future. The increased productivity allows organizations to make faster business decisions because the cognitive technologies from the AI are faster with their responses. With improved cognitive technologies and faster responses, organizations are able to gain insight about customers and will be able to offer customers a more personalized experience. Organizations are looking to take advantage of AI by overcoming issues related to trust and biases. Without the traditional human aspect, AI comes along with the absences of biases and possible trust issues that human to human interactions may encounter.[6]

Disadvantages of AI

Just like any implementation for any new system, there are disadvantages. Even though AI provides organizations with helpful tools in order to maximize efficiency, it can come with some costs. Despite the increase in revenue, there are high costs when it comes to implementing AI. Additional costs that come along with it include repair and maintenance costs. There are possibilities of a breakdown in the system, and reinstating the system will require a lot of time and costs.[7]

Even though AI does not have biases or trust issues, they lack the moral and emotions of a human being. AI machines can only perform the tasks that it has programmed inside of its software. If AI has an encounter with a unfamiliar situation, it will not be able to perform the desired tasks. Without continuous upgrades, the intelligence of AI can not be improved through experience unlike humans. Humans can adapt to their working environment and strive to make improvements, but AI is unable to alter their programs corresponding to changing environments. AI can create and design business plans a lot faster than humans can, but there are some drawbacks for this. Despite the powerfulness software of AI, it cannot match the originality and creativity that a human mind can bring. Intuition and emotional intellect is a part of management and AI does not have the capabilities to do so as of now.[8]

Unemployment is a major disadvantage when it comes to implementing AI in workplaces. With the replacement of humans with machines, people without the necessary skills may lead to unemployment. Organizations may replace certain jobs with AI and this can lead to displeasure from employees. Related to this topic is the increased dependence on machines will to lead to employee becoming more lazy and their will for creativity may vanish.[9]

AI Companies That Are Being Used in Human Resources Departments

Human resources departments are responsible for various tasks such as recruiting, selecting, and training. Whether it is searching for the best candidates, recruiting from within a company or outside of a company, these tasks require a lot of tedious steps and processes in order to be completed thoroughly and properly. HR departments should look into these particular companies:

These companies demonstrate the abilities of AI and how it can effectively help human resources department become more effective in their specific duties and responsibilities. Alyss Analytics is a custom AI that uses different tools in order to match and find candidates based off of skills and intangible traits. Best hires AI is a platform that utilizes machine learning to establish the best candidates for the job. Lastly, FirstScreen is an interactive program that uses automated tools in order to conduct the interviewing process more effectively. What these AI technologies have in common are the ability to support HR tasks and reduce the amount of time it takes for all of these processes.[10]

Part II: Application

How Do The Companies Use AI For Their HR Tasks?

Alyss analytics uses facial mapping, speech content, and delivery off a interview-based video and then the AI provides feedback on the candidate. They assess personality traits, personal characteristics such as leadership qualities, and a rating based off the interview. The AI can identify different body language and facial expressions to see how a candidate reacts under stress and different environments and obtains a score from the interview.[11]

Besthires.ai is an AI that uses machine learning to select the best candidates for jobs. Best hires examines the candidates soft skills, past performance, personality, needs and values, and matches it with the best job along with the best company-candidate fit. This AI automates each step of the recruiting process so that companies are able to look at the most recommended candidate for their organization before the hiring decision. This eliminates a lot of tedious processing, and changes the relationship between talent, data, and the speed of hiring.[12]

FirstScreen is a company that uses a voice automation AI and insight analysis tools to conduct interviews so that they can select the best candidates. This company knew that reviewing resumes and candidate screening was a long frustrating process, so they re-imagined an innovative way to restructure the recruiting process. Their AI allows candidates to do a self-serve phone screening. This AI has an automated phone call along with the latest in machine learning, voice recognition, call automation and real time analytics. Each candidate gets an equal opportunity from an automated phone call and automatically evaluates the candidates based on the job’s needs. This AI will help speed up the hiring process saving time and money for the organization.[13]

Bibliography

“About First Screen.” True Talent. Accessed February 24, 2020. https://www.firstscreenme.com/truetalent/recruiters.html.

“AI For Video Recruiting.” Alyss Analytics. Accessed February 23, 2020. https://www.alyssanalytics.com/.

“Artificial Intelligence Companies - 2018.” HR Tech Outlook. November 6, 2018. https://artificial-intelligence.hrtechoutlook.com/vendors/top-artificial-intelligence-companies-2018.html.

“Artificial Intelligence in Business.” Nibusinessinfo.co.uk. Invest Northern Ireland. Accessed February 24, 2020. https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/risks-and-limitations-artificial-intelligence-business.

“About Besthires.ai.” besthires.ai, n.d. Accessed February 24, 2020.

Hintze, Arend. “Understanding the Four Types of Artificial Intelligence.” Government Technology State & Local Articles. e.Republic. November 14, 2016. https://www.govtech.com/computing/Understanding-the-Four-Types-of-Artificial-Intelligence.html.

Ling, Shaun. “Shaun CS.” Shaun CS (blog). Word Press. February 23, 2017. https://cs.shaunlgs.com/2017/02/23/reading-artificial-intelligence-a-modern-approach-1/.

Marria, Vishal, ed. “The Future of Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace.” Forbes. Forbes Media. January 11, 2019. https://www.forbes.com/sites/vishalmarria/2019/01/11/the-future-of-artificial-intelligence-in-the-workplace/#6457be3d73d4.

Otte, Silke. “How Does Artificial Intelligence Work?” Innoplexus. January 30, 2020. https://www.innoplexus.com/blog/how-artificial-intelligence-works/.

Reddy, Krishna, ed. “Artificial Intelligence Advantages and Disadvantages.” Wisestep. Accessed February 24, 2020. https://content.wisestep.com/advantages-disadvantages-artificial-intelligence/.

“What Is Artificial Intelligence? How Does AI Work?” Built In. Accessed February 22, 2020. https://builtin.com/artificial-intelligence

[1] “What Is Artificial Intelligence? How Does AI Work?” Built In, accessed February 22, 2020, https://builtin.com/artificial-intelligence.

[2] Shaun Ling, “Shaun CS,” Shaun CS (blog), Word Press, February 23, 2017. https://cs.shaunlgs.com/2017/02/23/reading-artificial-intelligence-a-modern-approach-1/)

[3] “What Is Artificial Intelligence? How Does AI Work?” Built In.

[4] Silke Otte, “How Does Artificial Intelligence Work?,” Innoplexus, January 30, 2020, https://www.innoplexus.com/blog/how-artificial-intelligence-works.

[5] Arend Hintze, “Understanding the Four Types of Artificial Intelligence,” Government Technology State & Local Articles - e.Republic, November 14, 2016, https://www.govtech.com/computing/Understanding-the-Four-Types-of-Artificial-Intelligence.html.

[6] Vishal Marria, ed., “The Future of Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace,” Forbes (Forbes Media, January 11, 2019), https://www.forbes.com/sites/vishalmarria/2019/01/11/the-future-of-artificial-intelligence-in-the-workplace/#6457be3d73d4.

[7] Krishna Reddy, ed., “Artificial Intelligence Advantages and Disadvantages,” Wisestep, accessed February 24, 2020, https://content.wisestep.com/advantages-disadvantages-artificial-intelligence/.

[8] Ibid.

[9] “Artificial Intelligence in Business.” Nibusinessinfo.co.uk. Invest Northern Ireland. Accessed February 24, 2020. https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/risks-and-limitations-artificial-intelligence-business.

[10] “Artificial Intelligence Companies - 2018,” HR Tech Outlook, November 6, 2018, https://artificial-intelligence.hrtechoutlook.com/vendors/top-artificial-intelligence-companies-2018.html.

[11] “AI For Video Recruiting,” Alyss Analytics, accessed February 23, 2020, https://www.alyssanalytics.com.

[12] “About Besthires.ai,” besthires.ai, n.d., accessed February 24, 2020.

[13] “About First Screen,” True Talent, accessed February 24, 2020, https://www.firstscreenme.com/truetalent/recruiters.html.