Freedom under algorithms: how unpredictable and asocial management erodes free choice

Area of Science:

• Socio-legal Studies
• Management Science
• Philosophy of Technology

Background:

• Algorithmic management is increasingly prevalent in modern workplaces.
• Existing research often focuses on efficiency, overlooking impacts on worker autonomy.
• A feminist conception of liberty emphasizes the choosing subject's capacity for self-realization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of algorithmic management on individual freedom.
• To introduce and define the "foresight endangerment problem" posed by algorithmic management.
• To analyze the technical and social dimensions of this problem.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis drawing on feminist philosophy and theories of liberty.
• Examination of the "resilience-predictability paradox" in advanced algorithms.
• Analysis of qualitative data on gig economy worker experiences.

Main Results:

• Algorithmic management degrades subordinates' ability to foresee consequences, hindering personality realization.
• The "foresight endangerment problem" has a technical face (unpredictable algorithms) and a social face (disembedding management from human relationships).
• Gig economy workers experience unpredictable managerial decisions, eroding informed choice and goal pursuit.

Conclusions:

• Algorithmic management poses a significant threat to the freely choosing subject.
• The "foresight endangerment problem" undermines workers' capacity for free choice and self-determination.
• Re-embedding managerial power within social relationships is crucial for restoring worker autonomy.