Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Educational Human Resource Management: A Systematic Literature Review on Organizational Capabilities, Barriers to Adoption, and Ethical Governance
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Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational human resource management (HRM) is rapidly changing the way educational organizations manage recruitment, performance evaluation, professional development, workforce planning, and employee services. However, the success of AI implementation depends not only on the availability of technology but also on organizational capabilities, employee readiness, and responsible governance. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize the latest evidence on the integration of AI in educational HRM, with a particular emphasis on organizational capabilities, barriers to adoption, and ethical governance. A systematic review approach is used to identify, screen, and synthesize relevant peer studies addressing AI and HRM. The literature was thematically analyzed to identify recurring patterns related to organizational readiness, human–AI collaboration, barriers to adoption, and ethical governance. Findings suggest that organizational capabilities are a fundamental condition for sustainable AI integration. Key capabilities include AI literacy, digital competencies, leadership support, organizational culture, data capabilities, technology infrastructure, and strategic alignment. Key barriers to adoption include resistance to change, inadequate HR skills, infrastructure limitations, implementation costs, data security issues, and privacy risks. Ethical governance emerges as a crucial dimension, particularly related to algorithmic bias, discrimination, transparency, explanation, accountability, human oversight, and employee data protection. This synthesis also shows that AI is most beneficial when implemented as a mechanism to enhance human capabilities rather than replacing professional judgment. Based on these findings, the review proposes an integrated conceptual pathway: organizational capabilities → readiness for AI adoption → responsible AI governance → sustainable educational HR outcomes. This framework provides theoretical and practical implications for educational institutions that want to implement AI in a responsible, human-centered, and sustainable manner.
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