Algorithmic management in the workplace

Algorithmic management refers to algorithmic systems that use tracked data and other information to organize, assign, monitor, supervise and evaluate work. While some algorithmic systems use artificial intelligence to learn and make predictions, algorithmic management can also be based on simple, rules-based systems that form the basis for managerial decisions in the workplace.

Under algorithmic management, workers interact with a system rather than a human manager, thus reducing contact between workers and their managers as well as among co-workers.

While the delegation of managerial functions to algorithms is growing across industries, particularly in customer service, transport, logistics, banking and health care, it is the defining feature of digital labour platforms.