Professional Ethics in Human Resource Management in the Era of Digital Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Digital transformation has significantly reshaped human resource management (HRM) through the adoption of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, e-learning platforms, and remote work technologies. Although these innovations improve efficiency and decision-making, they also generate ethical challenges related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, and employee monitoring. This article examines the role of professional ethics in HRM within the context of digital transformation, highlighting both emerging challenges and potential opportunities. This study employs a conceptual research approach supported by a comprehensive literature review of scholarly works on HRM, professional ethics, and digitalization. The analysis focuses on core ethical principles such as integrity, fairness, responsibility, professionalism, and confidentiality, and evaluates their implementation in digital HR practices. The findings indicate that unethical use of digital technologies may lead to discrimination, reduced employee trust, and violations of individual rights, particularly through biased AI-based recruitment systems and opaque performance evaluation mechanisms. However, digital transformation also offers opportunities to strengthen ethical HR governance. The use of ethical data management, algorithmic audits, digital transparency, and e-learning-based ethics training can enhance accountability and fairness in HR processes. The study concludes that integrating professional ethics with digital HRM is essential for developing human-centered, sustainable, and trustworthy organizations in the digital era.