AI, Uncertainty and Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior (UPOB)

Abstract

Uncertainty, unlike risk, cannot be analyzed using informed probabilities for alternative outcomes. Many pre-deployment technology outcomes are inherently uncertain, as is the case with generative AI. Such innovative developments are non-monotonic due to uncertainty, requiring design reconsiderations as new information emerges. Development teams must nevertheless weigh uncertain outcomes when deciding how to proceed. This paper introduces the concept of ‘Uncertain UPOB’ (U2POB) to distinguish behaviors where the unethical outcome is not guaranteed but remains possible due to uncertainty. Data was collected via a vignette-based survey of 101 technology professionals (606 decisions), with UPOB support found to be 22.1% higher under uncertain the conditions. Overall 35% of respondents were found to be supportive of at least one UPOB decision. Regression analyses indicated that subject UPOB propensity and personal responsibility psychometrics were predictive of UPOB behaviors in both the certain and uncertain contexts.