Algorithms and Control

On the Limitations of »Algorithmic Management« as an Analytical Category

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32387/prokla.v54i217.2148

Keywords:

Algorithmic Management, Control, Employee Participation, Labour Conflicts, Work Process

Abstract

Research on »Algorithmic Management« (AM) at the workplace has produced important insights into new forms of control and mechanisms of domination. Nevertheless, we see four deficits in the political and scientific discourse on AM: conceptual vagueness; the equation of AM with direct control of work performance; an algorithm-centered view of changes at the workplace and the overestimation of algorithmic performance; and the underestimation of the power of workers to shape AM. Analyzing the actual practices of AM at a case of a food delivery service, we argue for a more differentiated perspective that overcomes these shortcomings.

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Published

2024-12-11

How to Cite

Butollo, F., Hellbach, L., & Wotschack, P. (2024). Algorithms and Control: On the Limitations of »Algorithmic Management« as an Analytical Category. PROKLA. Journal of Critical Social Science, 54(217), 651–664. https://doi.org/10.32387/prokla.v54i217.2148

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