Can Data Science Change Human Resources?

Abstract

Discussions about the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) in modern society have ranged across virtually every aspect of human endeavors. At least at present, general-purpose artificial intelligence remains quite distant. The best prospects lie in developing evidence-based algorithms to aid decisions especially in those situations where human judgment is now dominant. Peter Cappelli, Prasand Tambe, and Valery Yakubovich consider the possibilities for data science-based algorithms in one area of organizational and business life, and that is human resource decisions. The need for better and more objective decisions here is evident. It is also clear that the realities and context of human resources is often lost on data scientists racing to introduce tools developed in other contexts. They outline the opportunities and limitations for using these algorithms in human resources and the management of employees.