The algocracy as a new ideal type for government organizations:: Predictive policing in Berlin as an empirical case

Lukas Lorenz; Albert Meijer; Tino Schuppan

doi:10.3233/IP-200279

The algocracy as a new ideal type for government organizations: Predictive policing in Berlin as an empirical case

Lukas Lorenz^*, Albert Meijer, Tino Schuppan

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

Abstract

Motivated by the classic work of Max Weber, this study develops an ideal type to study the transformation of government bureaucracy in the ‘age of algorithms’. We present the new ideal type – the algocracy – and position this vis-à-vis three other ideal types (machine bureaucracy, professional bureaucracy, infocracy). We show that while the infocracy uses technology to improve the machine bureaucracy, the algocracy automates the professional bureaucracy. By reducing and quantifying the uncertainty of decision-making processes in organizations the algocracy rationalizes the exercise of rational-legal authority in the professional bureaucracy. To test the value of the ideal type, we use it to analyze the introduction of a predictive policing system in the Berlin police. Our empirical analysis confirms the value of the algocracy as a lens to study empirical practices: the study highlights how the KrimPro system conditions professional assessments and centralizes control over complex police processes. This research therefore positions the algocracy in the heart of discussions about the future of the public sector and presents an agenda for further research.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	71-86
Number of pages	16
Journal	Information Polity
Volume	26
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3233/IP-200279
Publication status	Published - 22 Feb 2021

Bibliographical note

DBLP License: DBLP's bibliographic metadata records provided through http://dblp.org/ are distributed under a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Although the bibliographic metadata records are provided consistent with CC0 1.0 Dedication, the content described by the metadata records is not. Content may be subject to copyright, rights of privacy, rights of publicity and other restrictions.

Keywords

AI
algorithms
algocracy
government organizations
public sector
predictive policingKey points for practitioners

Access to Document

10.3233/IP-200279

ip_2021_26-1_ip-26-1-ip200279_ip-26-ip200279Final published version, 152 KB

Cite this

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title = "The algocracy as a new ideal type for government organizations:: Predictive policing in Berlin as an empirical case",

abstract = "Motivated by the classic work of Max Weber, this study develops an ideal type to study the transformation of government bureaucracy in the {\textquoteleft}age of algorithms{\textquoteright}. We present the new ideal type – the algocracy – and position this vis-{\`a}-vis three other ideal types (machine bureaucracy, professional bureaucracy, infocracy). We show that while the infocracy uses technology to improve the machine bureaucracy, the algocracy automates the professional bureaucracy. By reducing and quantifying the uncertainty of decision-making processes in organizations the algocracy rationalizes the exercise of rational-legal authority in the professional bureaucracy. To test the value of the ideal type, we use it to analyze the introduction of a predictive policing system in the Berlin police. Our empirical analysis confirms the value of the algocracy as a lens to study empirical practices: the study highlights how the KrimPro system conditions professional assessments and centralizes control over complex police processes. This research therefore positions the algocracy in the heart of discussions about the future of the public sector and presents an agenda for further research.",

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AB - Motivated by the classic work of Max Weber, this study develops an ideal type to study the transformation of government bureaucracy in the ‘age of algorithms’. We present the new ideal type – the algocracy – and position this vis-à-vis three other ideal types (machine bureaucracy, professional bureaucracy, infocracy). We show that while the infocracy uses technology to improve the machine bureaucracy, the algocracy automates the professional bureaucracy. By reducing and quantifying the uncertainty of decision-making processes in organizations the algocracy rationalizes the exercise of rational-legal authority in the professional bureaucracy. To test the value of the ideal type, we use it to analyze the introduction of a predictive policing system in the Berlin police. Our empirical analysis confirms the value of the algocracy as a lens to study empirical practices: the study highlights how the KrimPro system conditions professional assessments and centralizes control over complex police processes. This research therefore positions the algocracy in the heart of discussions about the future of the public sector and presents an agenda for further research.

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