The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: Addressing Bias and Discrimination

Abstract

Discrimination in the workplace is a cause for concern. It includes unjust treatment based on a person’s race, colour, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and age, among others. In the workplace, discrimination may occur among colleagues and job applicants. Discrimination can also be evident during the recruitment process. Companies continually seek ways to enhance recruitment and select the most suitable candidates for specific jobs. Consequently, it has been observed that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the employment process has surged in recent years. In the workplace, AI plays a crucial role in automating Human Resources activities such as recruiting, qualification screening, and applicant experience monitoring. This automated technique helps organisations quickly identify the top applicants from a pool of profiles. Yet this recruiting approach has been criticised mainly for perpetrating discrimination. This paper examines the antidiscrimination standards established by the International Labour Organisation to assess the contribution that these standards have made towards reducing inequality and AI-induced discrimination in the workplace. The paper will also focus on the progress of African countries in addressing AI-induced workplace challenges. Against this backdrop, recommendations will be made to address AI discrimination in the workplace.