Every organization and community needs a set of ethical guidelines. That much is easy to agree on. What’s more difficult to agree on is which ethical guidelines. What follows is the list of ten values (copied from the book Human Robot Agent) which specifically addresses human-AI collaboration. Until we have good reasons to create a new set of community virtues, this list will serve as a fine starting point.
We expect everyone participating in the Harmony project, including moderators and admins, to honor these ten values. If you notice something that seems off, please escalate to HQ.
Ten Values in the Age of AI
As AI becomes inseparable from society, the values guardrailing these new technologies must align with the ones we demand from ourselves and our organizations. A shared foundation should be the bedrock of successful human-AI collaboration. So, let’s revisit the ten values we discussed before, but now from the human perspective:
Fairness
Fairness is about equity and equal treatment, free from bias or discrimination. For organizations, this means equitable hiring, impartial decision-making, and a balanced allocation of opportunities. For individuals, it’s about overcoming personal prejudice and recognizing algorithmic biases. If we expect AIs to make fair decisions, we should demand the same from ourselves.
Reliability
Reliability is consistency in action. Organizations show it by delivering steady performance and honoring stakeholder commitments. Individuals prove it by following through, being dependable, and meeting shared standards. If humans and AI want to earn each other’s trust, they must be willing to commit and deliver on their promises.
Safety
Safety is never optional. Organizations must protect employees and customers from harm, while individuals should help build environments where everyone feels safe and secure. Whether it’s about preventing personal dangers or emotional strain, workers’ physical and psychological safety is non-negotiable. AI is held to this standard—humans should be, too.
Inclusivity
Inclusivity means everyone belongs. Organizations need diverse workplaces where all voices are heard. Individuals should actively challenge exclusion, embrace diversity, and amplify underrepresented perspectives. We build AI systems to serve all of society, and we should expect no less from ourselves.
Privacy
Privacy is about respect for people and the protection of their data. Organizations must handle the personal information of employees and customers responsibly, while workers need to honor agreed-upon boundaries and confidentiality. If we demand that AIs safeguard our data, humans should expect each other to do the same in every interaction.
Security
Security is keeping what matters safe. Organizations must guard their systems and data, while individuals should practice appropriate security habits and protect the company’s sensitive information. AI systems and the company’s digital core must be built to resist manipulation, and, given the geopolitical developments and cybersecurity arms race, humans have to step up their game, too.
Accountability
Accountability means owning your actions and their consequences. Organizations must accept responsibility, admit mistakes, and make amends where necessary when things go wrong. Individuals must do the same—no excuses. If we expect accountability for any wrongdoings by AIs, we should demand the same when the errors originated with humans.
Transparency
Transparency demands openness. Organizations must be transparent about their decisions and their policies. Likewise, from individuals—particularly managers—we should expect that they communicate honestly and explain their reasoning for any decisions they make. Radical candor is the best way forward. If AI has to be explainable, so do we.
Sustainability
Everything that we humans do influences our environment. Whether it’s writing books, designing software, building cars, or managing stores, we are all involved in activities with externalities affecting the planet. It is worth figuring out how we can leave our environment cleaner than how we found it.
Engagement
The key to great teamwork, whether human or AI, is curiosity, creativity, and mutual respect. Joyful collaboration fosters trust, motivation, and innovation by making interactions energizing and rewarding. The best partnerships—human or artificial—don’t just achieve goals; they make the process enjoyable and worth repeating.
These ten values are lofty ideals, for sure. And we’re not saying all of it is easy. All of us grapple with issues in multiple areas each day. Yet, striving for these ideals—both personally and technologically—helps create a better world for everyone.