Algorithmic Management and the Objectification of Workers

The introduction of algorithmic management—AI technology functioning as supervisor to human workers—may influence how workers subordinate to algorithms are perceived. Across four experiments, we explored these perceptions and show that algorithmic management leads to objectification of workers. Objectification of workers, in turn, predicted multiple downstream consequences: workers were assigned more dull work tasks and viewed as having less leadership potential, and in an experiment with professional recruiters, job candidates with prior experience being managed by an algorithm were offered lower starting salaries. Including humans in the algorithmic management process (i.e., augmentation) did not mitigate the effect on objectification. In our final experiment, data from subordinate-supervisor dyads showed that algorithmic management was positively related to objectification of subordinates, which in turn predicted subordinates' perceptions of being objectified. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.