The Lifecycle of Algorithmic Decision-Making Systems: Organizational Choices and Ethical Challenges

44 Pages Posted: 19 Aug 2021 Last revised: 27 Apr 2023

See all articles by Marco Marabelli

Marco Marabelli

Bentley University

Sue Newell

University of Warwick - Warwick Business School

Valerie Handunge

University of Warwick - Warwick Business School

Date Written: July 16, 2021

Abstract

In this viewpoint article we discuss algorithmic decision-making systems (ADMS), which we view as organizational sociotechnical systems with their use in practice having consequences within and beyond organizational boundaries. We build a framework that revolves around the ADMS lifecycle and propose that each phase challenges organizations with “choices” related to technical and processual characteristics – ways to design, implement and use these systems in practice. We argue that it is important that organizations make these strategic choices with awareness and responsibly, as ADMS’ consequences affect a broad array of stakeholders (the workforce, suppliers, customers and society at-large) and involve ethical considerations. With this article we make two main contributions. First, we identify key choices associated with the design, implementation and use in practice of ADMS in organizations, that build on past literature and are tied to timely industry-related examples. Second, we provide IS scholars with a broad research agenda that will promote the generation of new knowledge and original theorizing within the domain of the strategic applications of ADMS in organizations.

Suggested Citation

Marabelli, Marco and Newell, Sue and Handunge, Valerie, The Lifecycle of Algorithmic Decision-Making Systems: Organizational Choices and Ethical Challenges (July 16, 2021). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3891294

Marco Marabelli (Contact Author)

Bentley University ( email )

175 Forest Street
Waltham, MA 02145
United States

Sue Newell

University of Warwick - Warwick Business School ( email )

Coventry CV4 7AL
United Kingdom

Valerie Handunge

University of Warwick - Warwick Business School ( email )

Coventry CV4 7AL
United Kingdom

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