Beyond the Hedges: AI, Bias, and Ethics in Hiring feat. Fred Oswald

As AI grows and becomes more accessible, it's changing our lives in so many ways - including in the workforce. Our guest today is an expert in the field of organization and workforce development and will tell us how AI is shaping the hiring process.

Fred Oswald is a Professor at Rice and the Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences. His Organization & Workforce Laboratory (OWL) at Rice focuses on selection and job performance models in organizational, educational, and military contexts, as predicted by individual differences (such as personality and ability) as well as group differences (workgroup characteristics, gender, race/ethnicity, and culture).

In our first episode of Season 3, Fred joins host David Mansouri. They delve into Fred’s journey to Rice, his research on testing and job performance models, and the work being done in his lab at Rice.

The conversation highlights the ethical and practical applications of AI in organizational and educational settings, exploring how AI tools can shape hiring practices and support teaching and learning.

Episode Guide:
00:46 Fred Oswald's Journey to Rice University
02:27 Research at the Organization and Workforce Laboratory (OWL)
03:29 Student Research Projects in OWL
07:16 AI Applications in Organizational Decision-Making
13:56 Ethics and Challenges of AI in Employment
23:29 AI in Education: Opportunities and Concerns
28:02 Skills-Based Hiring and the Future of Work
34:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

Beyond The Hedges is a production of Rice University and is produced by University FM.