When Big Data Dehumanizes: Situational Boundaries of Data-Driven Ethical Risk

Despite its benefits, big data can also lead to emotionally distant dehumanization. In this study, we examine: (1) whether the bigness of data in firms leads to dehumanization, and (2) how situational factors (psychopathy climate, work stress, employees’ analytical skills, and decision-making autonomy) moderate this relationship. Data from 278 managers in the United States were used to test the research model. The findings show that the bigness of data in firms is associated with increased dehumanization, and that this effect is contingent on levels of psychopathy climate, work stress, and decision-making autonomy (but not analytical skills) within the organization. These insights contribute to research by clarifying the conditions under which big data may lead to dehumanization. They also offer actionable guidance for practitioners seeking to balance data-driven and ethical decision-making.