Strategic and Legal Insights on AI Recruitment: The Case of Kering Group's “Talent Match” Project

This thesis explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of talent acquisition, focusing on how digital advancements are reshaping recruitment processes. The study is divided into four key chapters, each examining different aspects of this evolution. Chapter 1 provides an executive summary, setting the context for the research and outlining the literature review, methodology, findings, and limitations. It highlights the importance of understanding the intersection between AI and human resource management (HRM), identifying key research questions aimed at exploring this dynamic relationship. Chapter 2 delves into AI-driven recruitment, tracing the evolution of e-HRM and the changing role of HR managers in a digital environment. It explores strategic recruitment practices and the integration of AI across various stages of recruitment, with a particular focus on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and social media recruitment. The chapter also addresses the ethical challenges associated with AI in recruitment, including potential biases and legal implications. Chapter 3 examines the legal challenges posed by AI in recruitment, particularly in balancing innovation with privacy and ethical governance. The chapter discusses the European Union's regulatory responses, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the AI Act, and their implications for HR practices. It also explores the dual nature of algorithmic recruitment, which, while innovative, poses risks of bias and discrimination. Chapter 4 presents a case study of Kering, a global leader in the luxury industry, to illustrate the practical applications and challenges of AI in recruitment. The chapter details Kering's HR transformation, the implementation of the Talent Match project, and the company's efforts to address data protection, bias, and fairness in AI-driven recruitment processes. Overall, this thesis underscores the need for a balanced approach to AI in recruitment, advocating for the integration of ethical standards and legal compliance to ensure fair and effective talent acquisition in the digital era.