I recently read an article in the Atlantic titled, “The Rise of Techno-authoritarianism” and it was written by Adrienne LaFrance. The article writes about how Silicon Valley technological leaders often portray themselves as being at the forefront of all that is good. To them, “…technological progress of any kind is unreservedly and inherently good… frictionless information flow is the highest value regardless of the information’s quality; that privacy is an archaic concept; that we should welcome the day when machine intelligence surpasses our own” (LaFrance, 2024). Due to this, in their eyes, they should be able to move unrestricted, similar to how Wall Street would love to be free of the government’s interference when it comes to their growth, but not as obvious of a bad idea… yet. That’s why I think it’s important to re-visit leadership theories, specifically authentic leadership, and how it can help in this scenario.
One example of how Silicon Valley can start with good intentions and end up being something entirely else, would be how OpenAI started. In 2015, OpenAI was created as a non-profit where work with artificial intelligence was hoped to do good for the world (LaFrance, 2024). The company and its technology quickly advanced though and because of this, for-profit additions started being considered. Eventually, it would gain the attention of Microsoft and with it, a check for $1 billion just to start with (LaFrance, 2024). This is when things are seemingly innocent, as an investment to develop a technology for the greater good, but things quickly turn sour. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, would be kicked out, as people grew afraid that the work OpenAI was doing was developing faster than what was safe but was rehired quickly when Microsoft offered to hire him and his team to do the same work for them instead (LaFrance, 2024). In this move, we begin to see the start of how profit is being prioritized over safety concerns and public accountability, as we begin to see more proof of how dangerous artificial intelligence has become.
As this technology continues to develop, we can learn more from leadership theories. In this case, Silicon Valley is in desperate need of authentic leadership. Authentic leadership is defined, as “… a complex process that emphasizes the development of qualities that help leaders to be perceived as trustworthy and believable by their followers. The job of authentic leaders is to learn to develop these qualities and apply them to the common good as they serve others” (Northouse, 2021, p. 200). In this case, authentic leadership can be used as a moral compass for Silicon Valley leaders. They have to find a way to consider the moral and ethical dilemmas that come from these technological advancements, otherwise, they stand to need to face responsibility for the damage they cause. Used appropriately, Silicon Valley can see a return of technology being used as a force for good, rather than tool for power or exploitation. After all, “Authentic leadership emphasizes that authentic values and behaviors can be developed in leaders over time” (Northouse, 2021, p. 201). One does not have to be born, or even start out with the components of authentic leadership they can learn them as well (Northouse, 2021).
Overall, as technology continues to advance, it has become more important than ever to re-evaluate leadership approaches in order to help with the navigation of ethical dilemmas that come with it. Adrienne LaFrance provides helpful insights into how dangerous it is to leave these leaders unchecked when it comes to their greed and their prioritization of profit over the well-being of the common people. OpenAI is just one example of how a non-profit can be turned to a profit-driven entity, as financial gain is prioritized and hidden behind the smokescreen of how great it is that technology will help up and even surpass us. However, in the face of these challenges, leadership theories, particularly authentic leadership, can offer a particularly hopeful course for change. Qualities such as trustworthiness, transparency, and moral integrity are hard to come by but as Northouse explains, these are components within authentic leadership that can be learned and cultivated. If we adopt an authentic leadership style amongst these technology giants, Silicon Valley can become a driver of positive change and it would ensure that the future remains safe for the sake of the people.
LaFrance, A. (2024, February 28). The rise of techno-authoritarianism. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/03/facebook-meta-silicon-valley-politics/677168/
Northouse, P.G. (2021). Leadership: Theory & Practice (9th e.d.). SAGE Publishing.
Your response provides a thoughtful analysis of the potential dangers posed by the unchecked power and profit-driven motives of Silicon Valley leaders, particularly in the realm of technological advancements. You highlighted the transition of organizations like OpenAI from non-profit ideals to profit-driven ventures, illustrating the ethical dilemmas and concerns that arise when financial interests overshadow the greater good.
Your incorporation of authentic leadership theory as a potential solution to mitigate these risks was done well. You spoke about the importance of trustworthiness, transparency, moral integrity, and how authentic leadership offers a promising framework for guiding leaders in Silicon Valley towards more ethical decision-making processes. Your suggestion that leaders can learn and cultivate these qualities over time is particularly relevant as it underscores the potential for positive change and growth within organizations.
The recognition of the need for leadership approaches to adapt and evolve in response to the complexities of technological advancements is crucial. As technology continues to progress at a rapid pace, it becomes increasingly vital for leaders to navigate the associated ethical dilemmas responsibly and with a focus on the well-being of society as a whole.
Your response effectively highlights the importance of re-evaluating leadership approaches in light of emerging challenges posed by technological advancements, and it offers a hopeful perspective on how authentic leadership principles can contribute to positive change within Silicon Valley and beyond.