Here is Thomas Otter’s latest UNLEASH column.
As buyers and users of software, you are bombarded with all sorts of claims and promises. Many of these claims and promises involve AI or ML.
But how do you identify what is real and useful, and what is useless or even dangerous?
Decisions you make about HR tech can have a powerful impact on people’s careers and livelihood.
Back in my youth, I studied law. I have forgotten most of what little I learnt, but one case stuck with me. I think of it often.
“Contract – Offer by Advertisement – Performance of Condition in Advertisement – Notification of Acceptance of Offer – Wager – Insurance – 8 9 Vict. c. 109 – 14 Geo. 3, c. 48, s. 2.
The defendants, the proprietors of a medical preparation called “The Carbolic Smoke Ball,” issued an advertisement in which they offered to pay £100 to any person who contracted influenza after having used one of their smoke balls in a specified manner and for a specified period.
The plaintiff, on the faith of the advertisement bought one of the balls, and used it in the manner and for the period specified, but nevertheless contracted the influenza.
Held, affirming the decision of Hawkins, J., that the above facts established a contract by the defendants to pay the plaintiff £100 in the event which had happened; that such contract was neither a contract by way of wagering within 8 9 Vict. c. 109, nor a policy within 14 Geo. 3, c. 48, s. 2; and that the plaintiff was entitled to recover.“
One supposes that this case could be seen as an early example of vapourware.
My point is: As buyers and users of software, you are bombarded with all sorts of claims and promises. Today, many of these claims and promises involve AI or ML.
Your challenging job is to navigate through the miasma of hype, and identify what is real and useful, and what is useless or even dangerous.
Recent academic research has highlighted a lot of issues with AI usage in HR tech.
Here is what you need to ask vendors:
Remember HR technology is processing the data of humans.
When software vendors suggest that AI/ML is going to dramatically improve hiring, internal mobility and employee wellness, you need to ask the tough questions. Do your research.
Get the Editor’s picks of the week delivered straight to your inbox!
SIGN UP NOW
Founder & CEO
Thomas advises leading and emerging HRTECH vendors and their investors, guiding them to build better products.
"*" indicates required fields
UNLEASH will use your information to respond to your inquiry and share relevant marketing communications.
You can unsubscribe at anytime by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email. By clicking "Submit" you acknowledge and agree that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.