V3I7P60

Employee Perception of AI in Human Resource Management: A Critical Analysis of Adoption, Trust, and Strategic Alignment

Sneha S^1*, Dr. Pankajakshi R B.E (ISE), MBA, Ph.D²

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Human Resource Management (HRM) is rapidly transforming traditional practices, offering unprecedented efficiencies in recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement. However, the successful implementation of these technologies is profoundly contingent upon the perceptions of the workforce. This conceptual research paper critically examines the multifaceted factors influencing employee perceptions of AI in HRM, drawing upon a comprehensive synthesis of secondary data from scholarly literature, industry reports, and empirical studies. The study identifies that employee perceptions are predominantly shaped by a complex interplay of trust in the technology, perceived fairness and transparency of AI-driven decisions, the nature of the human-AI interaction, and the overarching organizational culture. A significant finding reveals a pronounced dichotomy: while employees acknowledge AI’s potential to eliminate administrative burdens and enhance data-driven objectivity, they simultaneously harbor deep-seated anxieties regarding job displacement, algorithmic bias, and the erosion of the human touch in HR. The paper proposes a strategic model for AI adoption that prioritizes transparent communication, employee upskilling, and the cultivation of an ‘AI-augmented’ culture to foster positive perceptions. Key recommendations for HR leaders include developing robust AI governance frameworks, co-designing AI tools with end-users, and repositioning AI as a collaborative partner rather than a replacement for human judgment. This research contributes to the academic discourse by providing a structured framework for understanding employee perceptions and offers actionable insights for organizations seeking to harness the transformative power of AI while safeguarding employee trust and well-being, ultimately advocating for a human-centric AI strategy.

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Employee Perception, Human Resource Management, Technology Adoption, Algorithmic Trust, Human-Centric AI.