Algorithmic Decision‐Making and Harmonization in Multi‐Level Governance Welfare Practices: Empirical Evidence From Belgium

Janne Petroons, Périne Brotcorne, Martin Wagener, Koen Hermans and Wim Van Lancker
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Janne Petroons: ReSPOND, KU Leuven, Belgium / Centre for IT & IP Law (CiTiP), KU Leuven, Belgium
Périne Brotcorne: Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche Travail, État et Société, UCLouvain, Belgium
Martin Wagener: Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche Travail, État et Société, UCLouvain, Belgium
Koen Hermans: ReSPOND, KU Leuven, Belgium / LUCAS—Centre for Care Research & Consultancy, KU Leuven, Belgium
Wim Van Lancker: ReSPOND, KU Leuven, Belgium

Social Inclusion, 2025, vol. 13

Abstract: Algorithmic decision‐making (ADM) is increasingly used by public organizations to allocate social benefits. However, it remains unclear whether ADM leads to more harmonized decisions, especially in multi‐level governance contexts like Belgium. Therefore, we ask whether, and to what extent, ADM is linked to the harmonization of welfare decisions across local social agencies. More specifically, we analyze decisions related to additional financial support in terms of (a) the likelihood of granting monthly financial support compared to other types of support, and (b) the amount of monthly support granted. In doing so, we focus on REDI, a digital rule‐based algorithmic system designed to assess families’ financial needs in Belgium. We draw on an online survey with respondents from 344 public centers for social welfare (PCSW), 40 interviews with respondents from 20 PCSWs, and policy guidelines from 86 PCSWs. Our findings demonstrate that the adoption of REDI can be linked to harmonization, yet only regarding the form and height of support, with users being more inclined to grant support monthly and provide a higher amount. Nonetheless, variance in welfare decisions persists, indicating a half‐hearted harmonization. With both financial and normative considerations at the local level playing a significant role in how the ADM system is shaped and implemented, this study highlights the importance of examining the organizational and political context in which ADM systems are deployed to understand their influence on welfare decisions.

Keywords: algorithmic decision‐making; harmonization; policy implementation; social assistance; social welfare; standardization; street‐level bureaucracy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:socinc:v13:y:2025:a:10289

DOI: 10.17645/si.10289

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