Gender Diversity and AI on Hiring Processes: An Empirical Analysis on Emerging Technologies and Organizational Inclusivity

Purpose: in the contemporary business landscape, the symbiotic relationship between technologies, innovation, inclusivity and gender equality emerges as a pivotal force, shaping the ethical and economic dimensions of company development. This study, with the aid of questionnaire methodological research, seeks to scrutinize the intricate interplay between these elements, specifically focusing on how Gender Diversity (GD) intersects with recruitment/hiring process, inclusivity and innovation technologies. Design/Methodology/Approach: our investigation employs a combination of perspectives and ethical considerations on Big Data (BD) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). We aim to illuminate potential challenges and opportunities influencing fair gender distribution and the effective presence of organizational inclusivity. Furthermore, the study explores how AI, BD and automation tools can (or not) introduce objectivity into decision-making in recruitment/hiring processes, mitigate biases and contribute to a more impartial perspective in organizational environments. To bring scientific evidence to our work, in addition to a timely literature review, we conduct an empirical analysis consisting in descriptive statistics, based on questionaries sent to 159 HR offices in Italy. Originality/Value: this study addresses a critical gap in the literature, by examining whether emerging technologies can be directed towards specifically supporting inclusivity, in a modern background where gender inequalities pose threats to social progress. By delving into the international debate on HR selection and hiring processes, our research provides a contribution to understanding how companies can enhance inclusivity and diversity, particularly in the context where technologies and innovation are relevant to increase business performance. Practical Implications: this study not only identifies new trends, but also provides an in-depth analysis of empirical evidence, offering a reliable framework to understand the extent to which these tools either facilitate, or hinder, gender equality and inclusivity. Ultimately, our study aims to positively influence the creation of more inclusive, sustainable and ethically oriented organizational environments. By our point of view, academics can use our findings to deepen their insights into gender dynamics, enriching academic literature and prompting additional research. Parallelly, practitioners can directly implement the insights to bolster inclusivity initiatives, fostering ethical and sustainable workplaces.