Synthetic ethics: posthuman leadership in algorithmically governed organizations
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Source of Publication
Journal of Information Communication and Ethics in Society
Publication Date
12-24-2025
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to conceptualize “synthetic ethics” as a theoretical framework within posthuman leadership contexts, examining how algorithmic systems mediate ethical reasoning in organizations. Design/methodology/approach – A narrative literature review methodology synthesizes insights from posthumanist theory, business ethics and AI governance to develop an understanding of synthetic ethics in posthuman leadership contexts. Findings – This study argues that algorithmic governance can be understood as generating hybrid forms of moral agency through human–AI interaction that extend beyond conventional anthropocentric ethics. Leadership functions increasingly emerge from human–AI assemblages, challenging traditional notions of responsibility, accountability and ethical decision-making. Practical implications – Organizations must develop new governance structures, leadership competencies and ethical frameworks to navigate posthuman leadership arrangements. This includes implementing transparency mechanisms, such as periodic algorithmic audits or bias-impact reviews, reconfiguring decision-making processes and cultivating ethical awareness for human–AI collaboration. Originality/value – This paper introduces “synthetic ethics” as a novel theoretical construct for understanding the emergent ethical frameworks arising from human–AI collaborations in leadership roles. It contributes to business ethics by addressing the anthropocentric bias in existing frameworks and proposing more inclusive approaches that accommodate the distributed nature of agency in algorithmically governed organizations.
DOI Link
ISSN
Publisher
Emerald
First Page
1
Last Page
16
Disciplines
Business
Keywords
Algorithmic governance, Business ethics, Organizational adaptation, Posthuman leadership, Synthetic ethics
Scopus ID
Recommended Citation
Sposato, Martin, "Synthetic ethics: posthuman leadership in algorithmically governed organizations" (2025). All Works. 7808.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/7808
Indexed in Scopus
yes
Open Access
no