Socio-ethical critique of technology adoption within social enterprises

Project dates (estimated):

September 2021 - August 2025

Name of the PhD student:

Han-Ju (Emma) Yang

Supervisors:

Rashné Limki - Business School

Yumeng Yue - Business School

Project aims:

This research is focused on a critical examination of the social and ethical ramifications stemming from the technology adoption within Scottish social enterprises (SEs). Specifically, this study draws on Mumford's (1934) theory of technology to contemplate the ethical consequences when SEs adopt AI and data-driven technologies to interact with marginalised groups, where technology not only assumes the role of 'empowering' these disadvantaged groups but also tends to 'standardise' their progress, inadvertently giving rise to unforeseen oppression against the very groups it aims to assist.

Disciplines and subfields engaged:

  • Science and Technology Studies (STS)

  • Critical Management Studies (CMS)

  • Political Economy

  • Public Policy

Research Themes:

  • Ethics of Algorithms

    • Ethics of Algorithmic Decision-Making

  • Ethics of Human-Machine Interactions

    • Ethics of Affective and Social Technologies

  • Emerging Technology and Human Identity

    • AI, Automation and Human Wisdom

Related Outputs:

  • ‘A more sustainable future? Understanding the role of digital technology adoption in addressing Social Enterprises’ organisational sustainability.’ Conference paper and presentation, Communicating Sustainability International Conference, University of Glasgow, 7 September 2022.

  • ‘A more sustainable future? Understanding the role of digital technology adoption in addressing Social Enterprises’ organisational sustainability.’ Conference paper, IRSPM (International Research Society for Public Management) Conference, 2023.

  • ‘How does technology ‘talk’ about social enterprises?’ Conference paper and presentation, EMES International Research Conference on Social Enterprise, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, 14 September 2023

  • Funded participant: EMES Summer School - The key role of social enterprises and the social and solidarity economy in post-pandemic societies, University of Seville, 20-23 June 2022.

  • Funded participant: Critical Management Studies Workshop, Lund University, 15-19 May 2023

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