Qualitative technology is a research method that uses non-numerical data to understand how people use digital technology. It involves collecting and analysing subjective data to understand users' beliefs, thoughts, and attitudes.
In today's fast-paced world, companies are relying more on technology than ever to streamline their operations and improve their bottom lines. This trend is not limited to business operations, but also to the realm of human rights due diligence which is an in-coming 'must-have' for increasing numbers of companies. Qualitative technology will play an increasingly important role in assessing, predicting and monitoring human rights compliance within companies.
The importance of human rights due diligence cannot be overstated. Companies have a responsibility to respect human rights, and this responsibility extends along their entire supply chain. This means that companies must identify and address potential human rights violations not only within their own operations but also those of their suppliers and business partners. This is where technology can make a significant impact.
Qualitative technology includes a variety of analytical tools that use non-numerical data such as text, audio, or images to understand and analyse subjective data to understand, identify and predict concerns, thoughts, reactions, problems and attitudes. These tools analyse a much wider set of data than would be usual: and all in real-time. Providing companies with more accurate and timely information in identifying 'red flags' (the most salient risks). These systems can also reliably predict the probability and thereby rank risks that might eventuate; both in terms of most likely to occur but also the risks with greatest potential impact. This helps companies identify potential human rights violations sooner, enabling them to anticipate, plan, and take prompt targeted action to address & mitigate the identified issues.
Whilst it's important to note that technology is not a panacea for human rights due diligence. Qualitative technology can identify potential issues: it cannot replace human analysts who can interpret the data and put it into context and use creativity to ameliorate risks. This is especially crucial when dealing with complex human rights issues that require a nuanced understanding of the specific context.
Moreover, relying solely on technology can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability. Companies must be transparent about their human rights due diligence processes and be accountable for any lapses. This means that companies must complement their technology-based tools with more qualitative tools and human expertise to ensure that they are conducting due diligence effectively.
To achieve this, companies may need to invest in training their staff on how to interpret the data provided by technology, when preparing the necessary Human Rights Impact Assessments. It is also necessary to train staff to conduct more traditional qualitative analysis to complement the technological tools. They must also recognize the importance of engaging with external stakeholders, such as civil society groups & human rights experts, ethical investors and expert academics to ensure a more comprehensive assessment of the human rights risks within their supply chain.
In summary, qualitative technology is set to play a critical role in the future of human rights due diligence and human rights impact assessments. However, companies must recognise its limitations and ensure that they are complementing technology with more traditional qualitative tools and human expertise to ensure a comprehensive approach to human rights due diligence. Ultimately, it is a combination of qualitative and technological tools, complemented by human expertise and judgment, that will help companies identify and address human rights risks, ensuring they meet their obligation under the UNGP's and the OECD Principles requiring respect for human rights and to use their corporate leverage.
About the author:
Mark Stephens, CBE has been working in the field of Business and Human Rights/ESG for over a decade. He is the former independent chair of the multi-stakeholder Global Network Initiative (for the ICT sector), an OECD Mediator, designed assessment frameworks for Human Rights Due Diligence and undertaken many Human Rights Impact Assessments and advised on obligations arising from National law as well as the OECD Principles and the UN Guiding Principles on business and Human Rights.
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