Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 171-201 |
| Number of pages | 31 |
| Journal | Historical Social Research |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Abstract
Keywords
- AMS algorithm, Sociology of Knowledge Approach to Discourse, algorithmic decision support systems, discourse strate-gies, organisation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Arts and Humanities(all)
- History
- Social Sciences(all)
- Sociology and Political Science
- Social Sciences(all)
- General Social Sciences
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In: Historical Social Research, Vol. 47, No. 3, 2022, p. 171-201.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Discourse Strategies of Implementing Algorithmic Decision Support Systems
T2 - The Case of the Austrian Employment Service
AU - Braunsmann, Katharina
AU - Gall, Korbinian
AU - Rahn, Falk Justus
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - In the process of digitalisation, social administrations are increasingly turning to algorithmic decision support systems. In this particularly controversial field of application of algorithms, we observe efforts to gain public legitimacy for using such systems. In particular, we examine the implementation of the “AMS algorithm” in the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). Using the Sociology of Knowledge Approach to Discourse (SKAD), we identify three strategies that shape the development of the AMS discourse: (1) the strategy of placing the algorithm in the discursive field of help and efficiency, (2) the strategy of referential agility of the algorithm, and (3) the strategy of the algorithm’s incorporation into the organisation. Our discourse analytic approach shows that the social situatedness of digital technologies contradicts the notion of technology as a neutral tool. Second, we find that the AMS occupies an important and supporting position during the discourse. The article argues that organisations undergoing digital transformation are involved in discourses on the use of digital technologies and are central to them as such; they shape discourses and constitute phenomena.
AB - In the process of digitalisation, social administrations are increasingly turning to algorithmic decision support systems. In this particularly controversial field of application of algorithms, we observe efforts to gain public legitimacy for using such systems. In particular, we examine the implementation of the “AMS algorithm” in the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). Using the Sociology of Knowledge Approach to Discourse (SKAD), we identify three strategies that shape the development of the AMS discourse: (1) the strategy of placing the algorithm in the discursive field of help and efficiency, (2) the strategy of referential agility of the algorithm, and (3) the strategy of the algorithm’s incorporation into the organisation. Our discourse analytic approach shows that the social situatedness of digital technologies contradicts the notion of technology as a neutral tool. Second, we find that the AMS occupies an important and supporting position during the discourse. The article argues that organisations undergoing digital transformation are involved in discourses on the use of digital technologies and are central to them as such; they shape discourses and constitute phenomena.
KW - AMS algorithm
KW - Sociology of Knowledge Approach to Discourse
KW - algorithmic decision support systems
KW - discourse strate-gies
KW - organisation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85143794818&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.12759/HSR.47.2022.30
DO - 10.12759/HSR.47.2022.30
M3 - Article
VL - 47
SP - 171
EP - 201
JO - Historical Social Research
JF - Historical Social Research
SN - 0172-6404
IS - 3
ER -