“It Feels Wrong”: Understanding Reactions to Artificial Intelligence as a Decision‐Maker in Selection Through the Lens of Moral Foundations Theory

ABSTRACT The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) decision‐making in the workplace poses a moral issue beyond mere technology acceptance, considering the potential consequences of algorithmic management to individuals' professional well‐being. In view of its pluralistic approach to human morality, we adopt Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) as our theoretical lens through which to study reactions to AI‐led decision‐making in selection. Using a qualitative approach, we explore individuals' reactions to the idea of AI‐evaluated interviews, mapping these reactions onto moral foundations, identifying novel sub‐themes specific to the context of AI in selection. Using 33 interviews with working adults, we find that all six moral foundations ‐ care, fairness, authority, loyalty, sanctity, and liberty ‐ are evoked when discussing the implementation of AI in selection. We discuss how these moral foundations manifest themselves in this AI decision making context, and articulate theoretical and practical implications.