How do "ethical" Irish employees feel about AI?

Irish employees are amongst the most ethical in the world, apparently. But how do they feel about taking sick days, inappropriate behaviour at office parties and filching pens from the stationery cupboard? There’s also the pressing issue of rapidly spreading Artificial Intelligence – computer programmes that mimic human thought processes – which threaten jobs and may encourage discrimination and privacy breaches. Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute talks to us about  a new survey* he helped produce

which throws new light on all of these issues.

How ethical are Irish employees?

Employees in Ireland are among the strictest in the world towards ethically questionable practices. This research revealed that workers in Ireland were less likely than the global average to find each of the eight questionable workplace actions, outlined in the survey, acceptable (34pc vs 39pc).

Eight in ten Irish employees view nepotism as unacceptable and disapprove of taking disingenuous sick days. More than nine in ten (93pc) condemn making sexual advances towards a colleague, and seven in ten (69pc) are against taking company stationery from work for personal use.

The research findings reflect a deeply ingrained commitment to ethical standards among employees, which is vital for the integrity of Irish workplaces.

Are companies behaving more or less ethically these days?

Almost one in every two employees in Ireland believe ethical behaviour in their organisation has improved in the post-Covid period, matching levels from 2021 and above the global average of 45pc.

What are top concerns of employees in Ireland and throughout Europe?

The top three concerns: the unethical use of AI—such as discrimination or privacy breaches—AI replacing human jobs, and increased workplace surveillance and monitoring.

How justified are fears about AI (Artificial Intelligence)?

The rise of AI brings opportunities and challenges, and it’s clear that employees are acutely aware of its potential for misuse. 

They also fear that AI could replace them. This anxiety is understandable, as it is likely that AI will automate certain tasks and change job roles in many sectors—leading to uncertainty about job security for some workers. Employers can tackle these concerns by investing in upskilling and retraining programs that help staff adapt to new technologies and feel confident in their roles.

What was your own first job?

After graduating with a BComm degree from University of Galway, my first “real” job was as a trainee accountant in Binchy and Company, Clonmel . Before that, my first experience of working life was summer work in Dunnes Stores when I was at secondary school.  A number of my school friends were also working there so it was great fun - more exciting than working as an accountant!

What did your parents teach you about money?

My mother’s motto is  “Take care of the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves”.  It has always stuck with me but I haven’t always adhered to it!

Best investment?

I bought shares in a small listed company that specialised in voice recognition technology way ahead of its time.  The share price rose substantially and then crashed with the company going out of existence.  Thankfully, I got out at the right time.

And worst?

Not an investment as such but very recent and therefore still a bit raw.  The engine of my beloved jag became terminally ill so I had to get rid of it.  Suffice to say the trade in value was very, very low.

Do you think the Government is overspending?

I do and, unfortunately, there is a sense of déjà vu about all of this. It is inevitable that there will be a global economic recession at some point which will affect us disproportionately given we are a small open economy. 

Name one thing you would you do as finance minister?

Strategic planning is needed for this and we need to hold on to as much of the gains that Ireland has made in recent times for use in future years.

*Answers based on the seventh triennial Ethics at Work: 2024 International Survey of Employees was carried out by the Institute of IBE in conjunction with the Compliance Institute[1] in Ireland, and polled 12,000 employees in 16 countries over four continents. A total of 750 of those surveyed were in Ireland.