Algorithmic formalization: impacts on administrative processes

Antonio Cordella and Francesco Gualdi

LSE Research Online Documents on Economics from London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library

Abstract: This paper investigates the influence of algorithms on the administrative processes within public organizations, utilizing the foundational theory of formalization from Walsh and Dewar (1987) as a framework. Introduces the concept of “algorithmic formalization”, a new form of formalization induced by the adoption of algorithms, which fundamentally alters administrative workflows. Focusing on COMPAS algorithm used in the US judiciary for risk assessment, the paper illustrates how the algorithm serves multiple roles – as code, channel, and standard – systematizing administrative processes related to risk assessment and judicial decisions. By delving into COMPAS case study, the research sheds light on the novel concept of algorithmic formalization, emphasizing its significant repercussions for analyzing and applying algorithmic administrative processes.

JEL-codes: J50 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-08-27
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ipr
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Published in Public Administration, 27, August, 2024. ISSN: 0033-3298

Downloads: (external link)
http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/124520/ Open access version. (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ehl:lserod:124520

Access Statistics for this paper

More papers in LSE Research Online Documents on Economics from London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library LSE Library Portugal Street London, WC2A 2HD, U.K.. Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by LSERO Manager ().