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- 89% of executives believe ethical governance in AI supports technological innovation.
- 77% of leaders are confident in their workforce’s ability to make ethical AI decisions, yet only 24% allow independent decision-making.
- Upskilling over hiring: 63% of organizations prioritize internal training for ethical AI roles over external hires.
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, C-level leaders are prioritizing ethical governance in artificial intelligence (AI) to foster innovation while ensuring responsibility. A Deloitte study, “Leadership, governance and workforce decision-making about ethical AI,” reveals that 89% of surveyed executives believe their organizations’ ethical frameworks and governance structures encourage technological innovation.
Governance and Workforce Confidence
The study highlights that 77% of C-level executives are confident in their workforce’s ability to make ethical AI decisions. However, there’s a notable gap in autonomy—only 24% allow their professionals to make these decisions independently. This number increases to 52% in organizations with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, indicating a more decentralized approach in larger companies.
“As organizations continue to explore opportunities with AI, it is encouraging to observe how governance frameworks have emerged in tandem, to empower workforces to advance ethical outcomes and drive positive impact,” said Kwasi Mitchell, Deloitte US Chief Purpose & DEI Officer. “By adopting procedures designed to promote responsibility and safeguard trust, leaders can establish a culture of integrity and innovation.“
Training and Ethical AI Structures
Training is at the forefront of ethical AI governance. Over three-quarters (76%) of respondents indicated their organizations conduct ethical AI trainings for their workforce, and 63% extend this training to their board of directors. Other governance structures include ethical AI review committees (46%) and ethical AI risk management frameworks (44%).
Beena Ammanath, Executive Director of the Global Deloitte AI Institute, emphasized the importance of structured governance: “The widespread development and use of emerging technologies like AI demands systems of governance that encourage the ethical application of these tools. Ethically designed governance structures are important to hold both leaders and employees accountable in the responsible use of this technology.“
Balancing Innovation with Regulation
Balancing innovation and regulation emerged as a critical priority, with 62% of executives focused on this aspect in AI development and use. Transparency in data collection (59%) and addressing user and data privacy concerns (56%) are also key ethical considerations.
Upskilling to Meet AI Demands
Organizations are leaning heavily on internal upskilling programs to fill AI-related roles, with 63% prioritizing this approach over hiring from external sources. Roles such as AI researchers (59%) and policy analysts (53%) are being integrated to reinforce ethical decision-making in AI.
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Impact of AI on Operations
AI is expected to positively impact various operational areas, with 77% of respondents citing supply chain responsibility and 75% pointing to brand reputation. Additionally, 82% anticipate AI will enhance employee retention, underscoring the potential of AI to improve workforce stability and well-being.
As the use of AI continues to expand, ethical governance remains a top priority for C-level leaders, striking a balance between innovation and responsibility. Through strategic governance, training, and workforce upskilling, organizations are laying the groundwork for a future where AI can drive both technological progress and ethical integrity.
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