The field of Human Resource Management (HRM) has experienced a significant transformation with the emergence of big data and algorithms. Major technology companies have introduced software and platforms for analyzing various HRM practices, such as hiring, compensation, employee engagement, and turnover management, utilizing algorithmic approaches. However, scholarly research has taken a cautious stance, questioning the strategic value and causal inference basis of these tools, while also raising concerns about bias, discrimination, and ethical issues in the applications of algorithms. Despite these concerns, algorithmic management has gained prominence in large organizations, shaping workforce management practices. This thesis aims to address the gap between the rapidly changing market of HRM algorithms and the lack of theoretical understanding. The thesis begins by conducting a comprehensive review of HRM algorithms in HRM practice and scholarship, clarifying their definition, exploring their unique features, and identifying specific topics and research questions in the field. It aims to bridge the gap between academia and practice to enhance the understanding and utilization of algorithms in HRM. I then explore the legal, causal, and moral issues associated with HR algorithms, comparing fairness criteria and advocating for the use of causal modeling to evaluate algorithmic fairness. The multifaceted nature of fairness is illustrated and practical strategies for enhancing justice perceptions and incorporating fairness into HR algorithms are proposed. Finally, the thesis adopts an artifact-centric approach to examine the ethical implications of HRM algorithms. It explores competing views on moral responsibility, introduces the concept of "ethical affordances," and analyzes the distribution of moral responsibility based on different types of ethical affordances. The paper provides a framework for analyzing and assigning moral responsibility to stakeholders involved in the design, use, and regulation of HRM algorithms. Together, these papers contribute to the understanding of algorithms in HRM by addressing the research-practice gap, exploring fairness and accountability issues, and investigating the ethical implications. They offer theoretical insights, practical recommendations, and future research directions for both researchers and practitioners. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / This thesis explores the use of advanced algorithms in Human Resource Management (HRM) and how they affect decision-making in organizations. With the rise of big data and powerful algorithms, companies can analyze various HR practices like hiring, compensation, and employee engagement. However, there are concerns about biases and ethical issues in algorithmic decision-making. This research examines the benefits and challenges of HRM algorithms and suggests ways to ensure fairness and ethical considerations in their design and application. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this thesis provides insights into the responsible use of algorithms in HRM. The findings of this research can help organizations make better decisions while maintaining fairness and upholding ethical standards in HR practices.

No / Islamic Banks (IBs) are considered as having ethical identity, since the foundation of their business philosophy is closely tied to religion. In this article, we explore whether any discrepancy exists between the communicated (based on information disclosed in the annual reports) and ideal (disclosure of information deemed vital based on the Islamic ethical business framework) ethical identities and we measure this by what we have termed the Ethical Identity Index (EII). Our longitudinal survey results over a 3-year period indicate the overall mean EII of only one IB out of seven surveyed to be above average. The remaining six IBs suffer from disparity between the communicated and ideal ethical identities. We further found the largest incongruence to be related to four dimensions: commitments to society; disclosure of corporate vision and mission; contribution to and management of zakah, charity and benevolent loans; and information regarding top management. The results have important implications for communication management if IBs are to enhance their image and reputation in society as well as to remain competitive.

Yes / Whilst many studies consider labelling as means of aggregated communication of environmental product features, the presentation of detailed product information seems a promising alternative. However, the mechanisms through which detailed product information takes effect on consumers requires better understanding. This study empirically develops a framework that focuses on consumers’ perceived usefulness of, and trust in, detailed product information, whilst also considering the role of environmental self-identity. This understanding will help businesses to further stimulate eco-friendly consumption. Structural equation modelling and conditional process analysis are utilised to test hypotheses based on a sample of 279 respondents to a German online survey. Findings: Results show that the perceived usefulness of product information has a positive effect on purchase intention, and this effect is intensified by an individual’s environmental self-identity. Furthermore, for consumers with high environmental self-identity, the effect of perceived usefulness of product information on purchase intention is mediated in turn by trust in detailed product information and resistance to negative information. This study contributes to the debate on the role of product information in ethical consumption by showing how detailed product information gives rise to favourable behavioural outcomes. When detailed information is perceived as being useful, it can affect purchase intention through greater trust and an increased resistance to negative information. Further, detailed product information appears beneficial for both, the mass market and specific segments with high environmental self-identity. Hence, this study empirically establishes the effects of detailed product information on consumer decision-making, thus informing sustainability-related marketing theory and practice.

The exponential growth of the human population has contributed to the overuse and degradation of common pool resources. Using science as a tool for informed policy-making can improve the management of our common pool resources. Understanding the conditions that influence groups of individuals to make ethical self-controlled choices may help solve problems related to the overuse and degradation of common pool resources. Ethical self-control involves the conflict of choice between one that will benefit the individual versus one that will benefit the group. The cumulative effect of many individuals behaving in an ethically self-controlled manner with common resource use may offset some of the harm posed by overuse of common pool resources. Metacontingency arrangements involving ethical self-control may provide some insight as to if and how groups may cooperate to manage a common pool resource. This manuscript proposes an experimental preparation and methodology to evaluate the effects of competing magnitudes of cultural consequences on culturants and their cumulative effect on common pool resources; and provides an analysis and discussion of five trends that might result from such a line of research.

Background: Scientists are more aware and concerned about society and have therefore pointed out an increased need for sustainable transformation. Due to unethical acts in the world, ethics have received a lot of attention recently. That is why we are studying different factors that push organizations to adopt ethical practices. Literature shows that stakeholders are the main factors that push organizations to adopt ethical practices, as well as organizational culture.   Purpose: The purpose of this study is to focus on the differences and similarities of internal and external factors pushing organizations to adopt ethical practices, the challenges of this, and how to overcome them between the private sector and the public sector.  Method: This study focuses on interpretivism philosophy with an inductive approach. This study is based on a qualitative study, with semi-structured interviews.  Conclusion: The results shows that there are both internal and external factors that push organizations to adopt ethical practices. There exist similar challenges due to this, as well as similarities on how to overcome them, with some differences as well

Yes / Web platform security has become a significant concern in the current cyber world. Adversaries constantly advance their skills and technologies to bypass modern cyber defence techniques to lure website vulnerabilities. In the cyber world, finding and mitigating vulnerabilities on the website is essential to avoid any damage to the organization. Two key techniques - vulnerability assessment and penetration testing - play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating these weaknesses. While vulnerability assessment scans the platform, revealing potential flaws, penetration testing goes a step further, simulating real-world attack scenarios to assess their true exploitability and possible damage. This paper compares automated scanning and manual penetration testing to evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in uncovering vulnerabilities. The experimental results confirm that manual penetration testing is more effective than automated testing in terms of accuracy. Additionally, practical studies highlight the importance of a penetration tester's skills and experience in identifying and exploiting security weaknesses. Automated tools may also generate false positive results.

Background: Insufficient resources and dynamic infection control policies during the COVID-19 pandemic created a resource-strained environment which necessitated frontline Health Care Providers (HCPs) to make ethical decisions frequently. Many of these ethical decisions included allocating scarce resources to optimally prioritize patients, resources, and clinician time. The transition from usual patient-centred care to care centred around infection control mandates and rationing resources forced HCPs to balance competing demands while trying to uphold high standards of care. This research aimed to understand the resource allocation decisions HCPs had to navigate during the pandemic and the ethical considerations guiding them. Methods: Using a qualitative case study approach, we aimed to document the type of ethical decision, reasoning used, and the action frontline HCPs took during the pandemic. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with multi-disciplinary HCPs employed in a single community Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Ontario. Resource allocation decisions were extracted from the transcripts and were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: Resource allocation decisions within critical care practice were ubiquitous and diverse. The constraints imposed by the pandemic and multiple provincial and organizational policies formed the context that necessitated these decisions. HCPs drew upon a range of ethical theories, notably Utilitarianism and Virtue Ethics, while prioritizing HCP safety and patient well-being. Resulting actions included prioritizing clinical tasks, establishing boundaries, and adapting practice patterns. Although these situations commonly evoked stress and frustration amongst HCPs, some positive internal responses were also described, including feelings of self-efficacy, resourcefulness, and team cohesion. Conclusion: In conclusion, analysis of resource allocation-derived decision-making illuminated a variety of challenges that HCPs faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by institutional policies and pragmatic limitations. Insights from this study underscore how these ethical decisions are an inherent part of clinical practice and have the potential to foster positive professional development amidst adversity. / Thesis / Master of Health Sciences (MSc) / During the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Care Providers (HCPs) faced difficult choices due to limited resources and evolving infection control rules. HCPs had to decide how to allocate scarce resources and balance competing demands while maintaining high standards of care. This research aimed to understand the types of resource allocation decisions HCPs made and the ethical considerations guiding them. Through twenty-five interviews with HCPs from an Intensive Care Unit in Ontario, we found that such decisions were both frequent and diverse. HCPs considered ethical theories like Utilitarianism and Virtue Ethics, prioritizing patient well-being and HCP safety. They often had to adapt their practices, establish boundaries, and determine priorities. Although these decisions caused stress and frustration, they also fostered team cohesion and personal growth. Overall, this research sheds light on some challenges HCPs faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and underscores the importance of preparing learners to navigate ethical decision-making in clinical practice.

No / This article explores the concept of internationally acceptable codes of ethics within the context of an Egyptian nurse’s PhD studies. Theoretical work, including gaining ethical approval for the project, took place in the UK, while the data collection phase of the study was done in Egypt. This highlighted areas where the Arab Muslim interpretation of some ethical principles, especially around the issue of gaining informed consent, differed from that currently accepted in British research ethics. The authors argue that it may not be possible, or even desirable, to standardize codes of ethics globally in areas such as academic research. Ethical principles develop from a unique mix of culture and religion. It may be more important to develop cultural competence that includes the ability to understand and respect the way in which ethical principles are interpreted by various societies.

Im aktuellen Coaching-Diskurs scheinen sich zwei gegensätzliche Positionen herausgebildet zu haben, die jeweils ein unterschiedliches Verständnis einer Coaching-Ethik beanspruchen. Die derzeit verbreitete positivistisch-instrumentelle Perspektive, die den (finanziellen) Nutzen von Coaching in den Vordergrund stellt, steht in einem Spannungsverhältnis zu den wachsenden (moralischen) Erwartungen an die Coaching-Profession, die häufig mit einer normativistischen Sichtweise verbunden sind. Während die positivistisch-instrumentelle Perspektive normative Werte zu wenig berücksichtigt, was zu empiristischen Fehlschlüssen führen kann, vernachlässigt die normativistische Sichweise häufig Realitätsbedingungen mit der Folge möglicher normativistischer Fehlschlüsse, so dass keine der beiden Perspektiven allein eine ausreichende Grundlage für eine Coaching Ethik bilden kann. Ziel der Arbeit ist es, das antagonistische Verhältnis der beiden Perspektiven durch ihre Synthese aufzulösen und Möglichkeiten der Komplementarität ihrer Stärken aufzuzeigen. Als Ergebnis dieser systematischen Untersuchung wird ein harter Kern einer Coaching-Ethik in Form des Schemas „do no illegitimate harm“ formuliert.

Dissertation in compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Journalism, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Ethical behaviour by investigators is the cornerstone of scientific research. Recognizing, declaring and avoiding a conflict of interest are key responsibilities for biomedical researchers, particularly since commercial enterprises, such as pharmaceutical companies, have become major funding sources of research. Proactive disclosure of researchers' financial relationships is now a requirement for publication in most scientific journals. The question that arises is whether this same increased scrutiny of financial disclosure and potential for conflict of interest has extended to the mainstream press in Canada. A content analysis of biomedical research articles that appeared in Canadian daily newspapers from 2001 to 2008 showed that 82 per cent of the articles failed to identify the financial connection that existed between the researcher(s) and the commercial funder, and nearly half of the articles did not even identify the commercial funding source of the research. A text analysis showed that 94 per cent of the articles were positive about the drug/device cited by the research, and positive, optimistic words such as “breakthrough”, “significant”, “hope” and “promising” were often used in the news articles. Reporters frequently frame biomedical research articles using a battle-like template that describes a fight between good and evil. Another common approach was to frame the article as a message of hope for the future. A genre analysis showed that the genre of medical research news articles published in newspapers is highly dissimilar to the genre of medical research articles published in scientific journals. It is likely these two genres have been constructed to appeal to very different target audiences. The study results show overwhelmingly that readers are not provided with key information about potential financial conflicts of interest involving the researchers and the commercial sources of funding for the research. Such lack of transparency thwarts the reader’s ability to reach informed conclusions about whether or not the research has been either explicitly or implicitly influenced by the researcher’s potential conflict.