The Ethics of Blockchain in Organizations

Abstract

Blockchain is an open digital ledger technology that has the capability of significantly altering the way that people operations (i.e. human resource management) operate in organizations. This research takes a first step in proposing several ways in which the blockchain technology can be used to improve current organizational practices, while also considering the ethical implications. Specifically, the paper examines the role that blockchain technology plays in three primary areas of people operations: (1) entry to the organization (via recruitment and selection), (2) intraorganizational processes (including compensation via smart contracts, retention and motivation via shared leadership and conflict management via network-based dispute resolution, and performance management), and (3) exit (offboarding). In each section, the paper reviews the ethical implications from the lenses of virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology and contractarianism. The paper concludes that in whole the implementation of blockchain technology in people operations processes can create a more ethical work environment. However, careful implementation is necessary and requires extensive examination of ethical implications in advance.

Role of Leadership in Adoption of Blockchain Technology in Small and Medium Enterprises in Saudi Arabia

“…Furthermore, situational theory paves way for the implementation of UTAUT Model as there is no single right approach to lead because the external as well as internal dimensions of the surrounding and environment need the leader to manage to particular situation to adopt blockchain technology and implement it at grassroot level ( Nawaz and Khan, 2016 ; Bögenhold, 2018 ). Thus, adoption of the emerging technologies like blockchain is a need of hour where strong leadership is required to lead at organizational, and individual level ( Hisrich et al, 2007 ; Sharif and Ghodoosi, 2022 ).…”

Mapping the ethic‐theoretical foundations of artificial intelligence research

“…Robbins and Wallace (2007) differentiate between normative (utilitarian/deontic/virtue) and descriptive ethical theories (Theory of Moral Development/Taxonomy of Ethical Ideologies). Sharif and Ghodoosi (2022) discuss normative theories (utilitarian/deontic/value) while adopting contractarianism in their examination of blockchain ethics. Moran‐Reyes (2022, p. 2) differentiates between normative ethics (what is a “good” life), applied ethics (what to do in specific situations) and metaethics that is the study of “more theoretical, more abstract terms.” Tronto (2020) is a proponent of feminist ethics like Adam (2001, p. 235) who argues that a feminist ethic offers “a more collectivist approach toward computer ethics problems.” Constantinescu et al (2021) focus upon dianoetic that is a subset of virtue ethics which is concerned with the establishment of virtuous action through rational thought rather than intuition.…”

“…"Mabaso (2021) discusses the use of exemplarism and its uniqueness as a form of virtue ethics Robbins and Wallace (2007). differentiate between normative (utilitarian/deontic/ virtue) and descriptive ethical theories (Theory of Moral Development/Taxonomy of Ethical Ideologies) Sharif and Ghodoosi (2022). discuss normative theories (utilitarian/deontic/value) while adopting contractarianism in their examination of blockchain ethics.Moran- Reyes (2022, p. 2) differentiates between normative ethics (what is a "good" life), applied ethics (what to do in specific situations) and metaethics that is the study of "more theoretical, more abstract terms."…”

Decentralization in Blockchain: Reconsidering Change Management Theories

“…Change managers must facilitate discussions that unearth these insights and reflect them in the collective decision-making process. This ensures the relevance and acceptance of the proposed change and fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the change among the participants (Sharif & Ghodoosi, 2022). The application of the blockchain reinforcement construct calls for a careful and thoughtful approach to change decision-making.…”