Can artificial intelligence bridge the diversity, equity, and inclusion gap for a sustainable future? A PRISMA systematic review

This study addresses a critical gap in understanding how artificial intelligence (AI) adoption influences workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in advancing organizational sustainability. Through a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, we synthesize and analyze 59 peer-reviewed articles (2019–2025) to examine the intersection of AI implementation and DEI practices. This study reveals how AI technologies can systematically address DEI challenges through algorithmic decision-making frameworks that mitigate unconscious bias, enhance representational parity, and foster inclusive organizational cultures. We develop an integrative theoretical framework that delineates the mechanisms through which AI adoption builds organizational capabilities across technical, managerial, and cultural dimensions while identifying key contingencies that influence DEI outcomes. These findings advance theory by conceptualizing AI-enabled DEI transformation as a dynamic process rather than a static outcome, contributing to the technology adoption and organizational sustainability literature streams. This analysis provides evidence-based insights for implementing AI-driven DEI initiatives while highlighting critical considerations regarding algorithmic fairness and ethical deployment. This study offers significant insights for organizational theorists examining technological innovation in social sustainability contexts and practitioners seeking to leverage AI capabilities for advancing workplace equity and inclusion.