There is an important ethical question involving expert systems. Remember that developing an ES requires the assistance of a cooperative expert. Why should an expert cooperate? Listen as Alvy (the CEO) tries to get Annie (the expert) to participate in a new ES project.
| Alvy: | Hi, Annie. We’ve got a new project I think you’re really going to like. You get to show off a little. We’re going to build an expert system to handle quality control. I asked my VPs, and they all said you’re the best. Whenever they have a question, they come to you. Your knowledge is going to be the foundation for the new expert system. |
| Annie: | Well, it’s nice to know that everyone likes my work. But, I’m a little worried. I heard about the new project, and I’ve done some reading on expert systems. It seems to me that when you’ve built your new system, you won’t need me around anymore. Are you saying I need to look for a new job? |
| Alvy: | No, no. We really love your work. That’s why you’ve been chosen for this project. It’s really quite an honor. We’ll take you off your normal duties for a while so you can devote time to the developers, but we want you here. |
| Annie: | But what will I be doing when the system is complete? It took me 15 years of hard work to learn everything. I still have 10 years to retirement. I’m not sure it’s possible, but if your fancy new machine takes everything I know, then what’s left for me? What are you planning? Drain all my knowledge and throw me away like an empty beer can? |
| Alvy: | Whoa, slow down. I don’t really know how this stuff works, but the programmers are just going to ask you a bunch of questions. We’re planning on taking at least six months. After that, it’ll be another year before the system is completely tested and ready to go. We’ve got plenty of time to worry about what happens after that. |
| Annie: | That’s not good enough. I’ve invested a lot of time and energy. I’ve always worked hard for this company. If I’m going to lose my job in a year, I want to know now. I’d be better off if I start looking now. |
| Alvy: | You’re blowing this situation out of proportion. I never said anything about you losing your job. When the project’s over, it may change a little. We’ll have to see how everything works out. When we get out of this recession and get that new plant built, I’ll be looking for a manager. It’s long term, but if you keep up the good work, you’ll be on the short list for that job. |
| Annie: | Hey, I don’t need your empty promises. You’ve been talking about that plant for 10 years. The way I see it, you need me for this expert system. If I walk out of here today, you don’t get your system, and I get a new job somewhere else doing what I love. |
| Alvy: | Come on, you’ve been a loyal employee for years. You’ve struggled with us through the hard times. It won’t be much longer, and I’ll be able to reward you the way I always intended. Besides, we trained you. You got all that knowledge from our company. We paid you through all those years. Now we want to use that information. You never complain when the VPs ask you questions. |
| Annie: | Well . . . I don’t know . . . |
| Alvy: | Look, I didn’t realize it would bother you so much. We don’t need to nail this down today. Why not take the afternoon off and think about it? Call Susie in MIS if you want more information on what the programmers need. Let’s get together again next week. In the meantime, I’ll talk to the VPs and the directors and see whether we can scrape together a raise or a bonus or something. |
Questions