Organizing for Responsible Algorithmization

Various scholars have pointed to a need for responsible algorithmization to minimize risks and harm and maintain citizen trust in government use of algorithms. They highlight the importance of an organizational focus to the responsible implementation of algorithmic systems in the public sector. Empirical knowledge about practices of responsible implementation in government is scarce. To develop a practice-based understanding of responsible algorithmization, this empirical study examines such practices within the Netherlands Police. I employ a qualitative interpretive analysis of scavenged material to understand the relationship between organization and responsible algorithmization practices. The findings show that the traditional ‘bureaucratic response’ to new challenges, which typically involves creating rules, procedures and positions can both facilitate and impair responsible algorithmization. The research highlights the necessity of balancing bureaucratic practices with innovative approaches to achieve responsible algorithmization. Therefore, I propose that, in addition to the bureaucratic response, organizations should simultaneously invest in pragmatic short-term solutions and more durable long-term structural changes.