Insights From “The Machine Stops<i>”</i> to Better Understand Rational Assumptions in Algorithmic Decision Making and Its Implications for Organizations

Abstract

This essay represents the synthesis of a long process of de-<br/>liberation and intellectual struggle among the authors about<br/>the wider topic of algorithmic decision making at work and in<br/>society. Following Parkinson (2019), we underline that this<br/>essay is our original work and that it was produced without<br/>the help of an algorithm. In addition, some readers may find<br/>it useful to learn more about the practical relevance of this<br/>essay as reported in the news already (Hill, 2019; Kahn, 2019).<br/>Former associate editor Jean Bartunek and the three re-<br/>viewers provided most insightful and stimulating comments<br/>during the review process. In addition, Christine Moser’s<br/>comments, and the feedback from the MOTI seminar series at<br/>Grenoble Ecole de Management, helped us consolidate the<br/>arguments presented in the essay. We are indebted to all of<br/>them for the intellectual generosity and guidance. A final<br/>thank you from Dirk Lindebaum goes to Virginia Brown for<br/>having left Forster’s short story as a small gift on his desk one<br/>day. It was only a small gift, but its inspiration for this essay<br/>was extraordinary.