Social and familial implications of algorithmic conflict management in hybrid work environments “a study of AI-driven fairness and trust in UAE organizations”

This study examines the family and social consequences associated with using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manage workplace conflicts within hybrid workplaces. Hybrid workplaces are a new workplace environment, where technology is used in emerging area of inquiry concerning the degree to which AI related stressors bleed across boundaries into family life. Research has primarily focused on either the technological, or organizational aspects of algorithmic management. As such, there exists a dearth of theoretical understanding as to how workplace systems utilizing AI drive employee psychological security and subsequently their family dynamics. Thus, our objective was to understand how transparency regarding AI, fairness in algorithms used by AI, and digital surveillance employed by employers affects hybrid employee’s psychological security and ultimately their family dynamics within the UAE. We utilized an explanatory sequential design to utilize both quantitative survey data collected from 420 hybrid workers, along with qualitative thematic analysis of scenario based vignette responses. Our results indicate a stark disconnect; while participants had moderate confidence in AI systems resolving conflicts; they were extremely concerned about issues of fairness, privacy and lack of algorithmic transparency. Most importantly, 63% of respondents indicated that work-related stress experienced due to AI mediated workplace surveillance and evaluation of performance had a negative effect on communication and emotional stability with family members at home. Therefore, we have proposed the Social Algorithmic Justice Framework (SAJF) to identify the pathways from algorithmic transparency to family resiliency with the influence of social support. Ultimately, this study will provide a theoretically supported framework for integrating workplace AI with socially sustainable values so as to ensure that workplace AI integration enhances family harmony rather than diminishes it.