Artificial intelligence ethics in services: are we paying attention to that?!

Abstract

ABSTRACT Scant information exists in the literature on the ethical considerations when adopting and implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in services. To address this research gap, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 286 research articles, identified from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, on AI ethics in services. The findings revealed that most of the research on AI ethics in services is from the United Kingdom, the U.S., and China. The co-occurrence analysis further revealed that AI ethics is a complex dimension, where several ethic types are found, namely digital, business, machine, and artificial. Additionally, AI effects should be considered from micro, meso, and macro perspectives to ensure that AI systems are ethically correct. The thematic findings highlighted that for AI systems to be safe and effective in industry, they should be responsible and human-centered. Developing such systems requires defining and implementing several features, including transparency, responsibility, explainability, and accountability. Finally, the obtained findings highlighted the need for increasing awareness of AI ethics in services as well as developing regulatory frameworks and laws in this context. The findings of this study can help various stakeholders (policymakers, developers, business owners, etc.) promote the safe and effective adoption of AI in industry.