IBM’s Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
For more than 100 years, IBM’s founding principles have inspired efforts to promote equality, fairness, and inclusion in the workplace and society. The company has lived the value of "respect for the individual" by championing employment practices that reward ability over identity and that make work more attainable for all.
A History of Inclusion
In 1935, approximately twenty years after IBM was founded, it began hiring women into professional roles. Three decades before the US Equal Pay Act of 1963, IBM’s CEO, Thomas J. Watson Sr., stated, "Men and women will do the same kind of work for equal pay. They will have the same treatment, the same responsibilities, and the same opportunities for advancement."
Women in Leadership
Through the years, many women have held leadership roles at IBM, including former CEO, Ginni Rometty. Women have played key roles in initiatives throughout the organization, including the rise of AI.
AI Ethics
As IBM continued to research and develop AI, it became clear that along with the positive aspects of the technology, there were also potential issues that needed attention. "AI will have a transformative impact on everyday life, business, and more. As with other technologies, there are ethical components that must be followed to build systems based on trust," says Justina Nixon-Saintil, Chief Impact Officer and AI Ethics Board member at IBM.
The AI Ethics Board
Since 2019, the AI Ethics Board has been co-chaired by two leaders: Christina Montgomery (Vice President, Chief Privacy and Trust Officer) and Francesca Rossi (IBM Fellow, and AI Ethics Global Leader). Their unique backgrounds and views have helped the Board instill governance and a culture of ethical and responsible technology throughout IBM.
Conclusion
IBM’s commitment to equality, inclusion, and ethics is evident in its AI Ethics Board and AI Ethics Focal Points. The company’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry are setting a high standard for others to follow.
FAQs
Q: What is IBM’s approach to AI ethics?
A: IBM’s approach to AI ethics is centered around building systems that are trustworthy, transparent, and fair. The company’s AI Ethics Board and AI Ethics Focal Points work together to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly.
Q: What role do women play in IBM’s AI efforts?
A: Women play a critical role in IBM’s AI efforts, from research and development to leadership and governance. The company recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and is committed to promoting women in technology.
Q: What is the AI Ethics Board?
A: The AI Ethics Board is a group of leaders from across IBM who are responsible for ensuring that the company’s AI efforts are ethical and responsible. The Board is co-chaired by Christina Montgomery and Francesca Rossi.
Q: What is the AI risk atlas?
A: The AI risk atlas is a tool developed by IBM to help readers better understand the risks of working with generative AI, foundation models, and machine learning models. The atlas was developed by a team of female leaders from the AI Ethics Board and IBM’s AI Ethics Project Office.
