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Objectification at work: The impact of algorithmic management on employee work engagement
Na Zhang1, Yunjing Zhang1, Chunhua Jin1
1School of Business, Beijing Information Science and Technology University, Beijing, 102206, China.
Acta Psychologica
|July 4, 2026
Summary
Algorithmic management negatively impacts employee work engagement by increasing workplace objectification, diminishing feelings of uniqueness and agency. This study highlights technology
Area of Science:
- Organizational Behavior
- Digital Management
- Psychology
Background:
- Algorithmic management is increasingly prevalent in modern workplaces.
- Existing research often overlooks its impact on employee self-concept, focusing instead on stress.
- Social identity theory offers a lens to examine identity threats in algorithmic management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between algorithmic management and employee work engagement.
- To explore the mediating role of workplace objectification perception.
- To understand how algorithmic management affects employees' sense of self and agency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a two-wave questionnaire survey with 383 respondents.
- Employed social identity theory to construct a theoretical model.
- Statistically analyzed the proposed model of algorithmic management, workplace objectification, and work engagement.
Main Results:
- Algorithmic management showed a significant negative correlation with employee work engagement.
- Workplace objectification perception significantly mediated the relationship between algorithmic management and work engagement.
- Algorithmic management reinforces perceptions of instrumental value and powerlessness, diminishing employee agency.
Conclusions:
- Algorithmic management can lead to diminished work engagement through increased workplace objectification.
- Organizations should balance efficiency with employee care in technology-enabled management.
- Findings offer insights into the psychological impact of digital management and promote a technology-for-good paradigm.
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