Introduction

The report examines ethical challenges in the digital business landscape brought on by rapid digitalisation, especially during the health crisis. It outlines the shift in business models, the integration of new technologies, and the implications for ethics. Key questions address the necessity of ethical frameworks specific to digital contexts, particularly for businesses engaging in artificial intelligence (AI), data-driven practices, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the digital transition, exposing both opportunities and vulnerabilities, such as increased reliance on digital tools and data privacy concerns.

Description of the procedure—presentation of the ‘systematic literature analysis’ method

The research employed a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology to identify relevant studies from the Web of Science database. Inclusion criteria limited the review to peer-reviewed, English-language articles published within the past decade and focused on digitalisation, ethics, and CSR. Using a PRISMA framework, 58 studies were selected, enabling the synthesis of insights about emerging ethical dilemmas. Key clusters identified through bibliographic coupling using VOSviewer included themes such as AI ethics, digital technology challenges, and CSR.

Selection of a suitable search method

The SLR prioritised literature featuring themes of “business ethics” and “digitalisation.” Keywords included artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital revolution. The methodology involved bibliographic coupling via VOSviewer to visualise thematic correlations, highlighting the importance of aligning ethical considerations with technological advancements. Notably, the reviewed publications spanned top journals like Business Ethics Quarterly and Journal of Business Research.

Results based on the specialised literature

The influence of technology on society

Digitalisation has transformed workplaces, enabling efficiency but also creating ethical dilemmas. Emerging issues include concerns over privacy, discrimination, and potential misuse of AI. Public fears of mass surveillance, individual freedoms being compromised, and AI-enabled bias in hiring or lending decisions underline the need for ethical safeguards.

Trust in technology is critical for its adoption. Ethical principles such as transparency, accountability, and fairness underpin this trust. The pandemic amplified these challenges, with businesses relying heavily on digital tools while grappling with accessibility and data privacy issues.

Artificial intelligence and ethical implications in business

AI raises new ethical questions, including how algorithms can promote fairness or avoid discrimination. Ethical frameworks must address these challenges, particularly in data-intensive sectors such as finance. Businesses are encouraged to integrate values into AI processes, balancing innovation with regulatory compliance.

AI adoption demonstrates significant economic potential, including enhanced productivity and decision-making capabilities. For example, its use in financial services can streamline processes, yet mistrust and concerns about job displacement persist. Transparent development processes and regulatory measures, such as the EU’s new AI liability legislation, are necessary to mitigate risks. These regulations aim to harmonise rules and provide businesses with the legal clarity needed to innovate responsibly.

The relationship between corporate social responsibility, education, and business ethics

CSR has expanded to include corporate digital responsibility (CDR), addressing ethical implications of digitalisation. While CSR focuses on broader environmental and social goals, CDR emphasises responsible data management and digital accountability. Businesses are encouraged to incorporate both frameworks into their mission statements to align digital initiatives with broader corporate values.

Digitalisation also offers sustainability benefits but requires careful design to balance ecological, economic, and social impacts. For example, aligning digital innovation with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) necessitates collaboration between developers, users, and regulators. The report recommends adopting systemic approaches to sustainability that integrate digital ethics from the outset.

Education is critical in addressing digital ethical challenges. Embedding ethics and digital literacy into professional training ensures readiness for evolving technological landscapes. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration between stakeholders can help businesses navigate ethical complexities effectively.

Recommendations and action points

To address digital ethical challenges, the report recommends the development of sector-specific digital ethics codes tailored to industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology. These guidelines should prioritise AI transparency, data protection, and sustainability. Businesses are also advised to adopt early skills radars to anticipate future ethical challenges and implement targeted training programs.

Education systems should integrate ethical decision-making and digital literacy, encouraging lifelong learning and proactive adoption of digital tools. Additionally, regulatory frameworks like the EU’s AI liability legislation provide a roadmap for establishing trust in digitalisation.

Conclusions

Digitalisation has transformed businesses, requiring a re-evaluation of ethical frameworks. While offering opportunities for growth, these technologies also present challenges, including potential biases, data misuse, and environmental impacts. Businesses are advised to adopt proactive strategies, including ethical codes, transparent processes, and education, to navigate these dilemmas successfully.

The report acknowledges limitations in its scope, noting that a larger dataset might yield more nuanced insights. It calls for further research into ethical codes tailored for specific professions and sectors, highlighting the importance of aligning innovation with ethical resp