Overcoming Challenges: Addressing Resistance to Automation Adoption and Ensuring Ethical Implementation

Abstract Purpose This study explores the challenges of resisting automation adoption at individual, organizational, and systemic levels while ensuring ethical implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. Need for the Study This study explores strategies to overcome the resistance to automation adoption and ensure its ethical implementation. The study also covers the future of HR automation in Industry 5.0. Methodology This comprehensive study utilizes published research data on resistance in automation and ethical considerations. It aims to facilitate a thorough examination of these challenges and provide strategies for effectively addressing and overcoming them. Findings The factors for resistance and ethical implementation of automation are diverse and significant. They include “concerns about job security,” “gaps in competency,” “The ‘Black Box’ perception,” “cultural misalignment,” and various ethical issues. These challenges can be overcome through reskilling and digital literacy, human-in-the-loop approaches, transparent communication, and global alignment with ethical AI frameworks. Practical Implications Although Industry 5.0 has several advantages for Human Resources (HR) processes such as recruitment, engagement, performance management, learning and development, etc., AI adoption comes with several challenges as well, which need to be addressed to have efficient processes.