Inside Algorithmic Bureaucracy: Disentangling Automated Decision-making and Good Administration

Ulrik Roehl*, Joep Crompvoets

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

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Abstract

Public administrative bodies around the world are increasingly applying automated, administrative decision-making as underlying technologies such as machine learning mature. Such decision-making is a central element of emerging forms of algorithmic bureaucracies. With its direct exercise of public authority over individual citizens and firms, automated, administrative decision-making makes it particularly important to consider relations to values of good administration. Based on a multiple case-study, the article focuses on how empirical use of automated decision-making influences and transforms issues of good administration in four policy areas in Denmark: Business and social policy; labour market policy; agricultural policy; and tax policy. Supplementing emerging literature, the article exemplifies how public authorities struggle to apply automated decision-making in ways that support rather than undermine good administration. We identify six empirical relations of usage of automated, administrative decision-making and good administration: (I) Giving accurate and comprehensible reasons; (II) Informing addressees’ expectations; (III) Combining material and algorithmic expertise; (IV) Achieving effective oversight; (V) Continuously ensuring quality; and (VI) Managing high complexity. Additionally, we pinpoint related key capabilities for administrative bodies in order to support good administration.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftPublic Policy and Administration
Vol/bind40
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)322-350
Antal sider29
ISSN0952-0767
DOI
StatusUdgivet - apr. 2025

Bibliografisk note

Published online: 31 August 2023.

Emneord

  • Administrative capabilities
  • Administrative decisions
  • Algorithmic bureaucracy
  • Automated decision-making
  • Multiple case-study

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