As AI leaders work to apply machine learning (ML) and AI more widely within their organizations, they must work to ensure that there is human oversight of these automated systems. Notably, the increased interest in AI brought on by the advent of Large Language Models (and generative models more broadly) only increases this importance. It is this oversight of how these models are developed, deployed, and maintained that is the foundation of a Responsible AI framework.
The framework, first defined as a corporate policy and then implemented in one or more tools, cannot guarantee that a problem will never arise. Instead, they seek to create the conditions which allow problems to be identified, and then that the observer speaks up to have the problem addressed. Without this oversight, and the confidence that the observer will speak up, the frameworks are doomed to fail.
AI leaders have two challenges in this respect:
- Ensuring that they have a diverse workforce, representing a wide range of perspectives, to be able to identify problems that others, coming from different lived experiences, might miss.
- Ensuring that such a workforce is comfortable speaking up when they do spot a problem. This relies on a concept called psychological safety.
Ensuring Psychological Safety for All Employees
It has been broadly understood that it is important to have diverse perspectives in order to provide this oversight. We all have blindspots and while we can, and should, all work to broaden our perspectives, having diverse teams provide this oversight increases the likelihood that a problem will be spotted, given that you will have team members who are sensitive to such problems involved.
Insofar as LGBTQ+-friendly policies help to diversify the workplace, they can contribute to this improvement. But there is an even more direct and more immediate way in which such policies can contribute to Responsible AI practices: by creating an environment of psychological safety for all employees.
Psychological safety refers to an environment within an organization where individuals feel safe to express their ideas, take risks, and be themselves without fear of negative consequences. It is crucial in an organization as it fosters trust, open communication, and collaboration among employees. When people feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to share their perspectives, admit mistakes, and contribute their best efforts. This leads to increased innovation, creativity, and productivity, creating a positive work culture and driving overall organizational success.
Creating an environment of psychological safety is thus an imperative for AI leaders seeking to establish effective Responsible AI practices. Support from leadership for LGBTQ+-friendly policies, in particular, contributes to psychological safety in the workplace by sending a powerful message of inclusivity, acceptance, and respect. When leaders actively endorse and champion these policies, they create a culture that values diversity and equality.
This support establishes a clear expectation that discriminatory behaviors will not be tolerated, encouraging employees to feel safe, empowered, and free to express their authentic selves. By demonstrating a commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, leadership fosters trust, builds stronger relationships, and cultivates an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and talents without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
The Path Forward: Responsible AI Frameworks & LGBTQ+-Friendly Policies Together
As organizations navigate the increasing use of ML and AI, it is imperative to have robust Responsible AI frameworks in place, with strong human oversight. Diverse perspectives are crucial for effective oversight, and LGBTQ+-friendly policies can contribute to this by fostering psychological safety in the workplace. By supporting and championing these policies, leadership sends a clear message of acceptance and respect, creating an environment where all employees can feel empowered to express themselves without fear.
This commitment to inclusivity cultivates trust, strengthens relationships, and ultimately drives innovation and success within the organization. With a combination of Responsible AI frameworks and LGBTQ+- friendly policies, organizations can create a future that is both technologically advanced and socially inclusive.