Algorithmic Unfairness on Digital Labor Platforms: How Algorithmic Management Practices Disadvantage Workers

Laura Schulze, Zhao Cai, Manuel Trenz, Chee Wee Tan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

On digital labor platforms, interactions between workers and clients are algorithmically managed. Previous research found that algorithmic management can disadvantage workers. In this paper, we empirically examine algorithmic unfairness from a sociotechnical perspective. Specifically, we conduct online focus groups with 23 workers who directly interact with algorithmic management practices on digital labor platforms. In using grounded theory methodology, we pursue to understand how algorithmic management promotes unfairness on digital labor platforms. Our emergent theory understands algorithmic unfairness as algorithmic management practices that give rise to systematic disadvantages for workers. Algorithmic management practices either automate decisions or automate the delegation of decisions. Workers experience systematic disadvantages in the form of devaluation, restriction, and exclusion. Our findings serve as a starting point for mitigating algorithmic unfairness in the future.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Conference on Information Systems, ICIS 2022
Subtitle of host publication"Digitization for the Next Generation"
PublisherAssociation for Information Systems
ISBN (Electronic)9781713893615
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Event43rd International Conference on Information Systems: Digitization for the Next Generation, ICIS 2022 - Copenhagen, Denmark
Duration: 9 Dec 202214 Dec 2022

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Information Systems, ICIS 2022: "Digitization for the Next Generation"

Conference

Conference43rd International Conference on Information Systems: Digitization for the Next Generation, ICIS 2022
Country/TerritoryDenmark
CityCopenhagen
Period9/12/2214/12/22

Keywords

  • Algorithmic management
  • algorithmic unfairness
  • automation
  • decision-making
  • delegation
  • digital labor platforms
  • worker disadvantages

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Information Systems

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Algorithmic Unfairness on Digital Labor Platforms: How Algorithmic Management Practices Disadvantage Workers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this