New
MIS Quarterly (2024) AI Processed Human Approved
WHEN ALGORITHMS DELEGATE TO HUMANS:EXPLORING HUMAN-ALGORITHM INTERACTION AT UBER
This study investigates how algorithms delegate tasks to humans in complex, multi-agent settings using the ride-hailing application Uber as a case study. By analyzing 63 US Uber patents and conducting 22 semi-structured interviews with drivers and passengers, the authors explore human-algorithm interaction beyond simple two-agent configurations. The paper theorizes distributed delegation as a construct encompassing collective hybrid appraisal, distribution, and coordination.
Problem
Prior research on human-algorithm interaction primarily focuses on one-to-one or many-to-one dyads, assuming delegation is binary or that algorithms act with full autonomy. However, real-world digital platforms operate as complex multi-agent environments where multiple algorithms interact simultaneously with numerous humans. Existing frameworks lack theorization on how collectives of algorithms delegate tasks across groups of humans while remaining dependent on continuous human inputs.
Outcome
- Conceptualizes distributed delegation as a collective, hybrid, and relational process where multiple algorithms work together while drawing on human data inputs.
- Identifies three key mechanisms of algorithmic delegation in multi-agent settings: collective hybrid appraisal, collective hybrid distribution, and collective hybrid coordination.
- Reveals that delegation functions along a continuum rather than as a complete, binary transfer of rights and responsibilities between algorithms and humans.
- Demonstrates that human involvement—through trace data, choice data, and direct interventions during breakdowns—is necessary for algorithmic agency to operate.
- Identifies three key mechanisms of algorithmic delegation in multi-agent settings: collective hybrid appraisal, collective hybrid distribution, and collective hybrid coordination.
- Reveals that delegation functions along a continuum rather than as a complete, binary transfer of rights and responsibilities between algorithms and humans.
- Demonstrates that human involvement—through trace data, choice data, and direct interventions during breakdowns—is necessary for algorithmic agency to operate.
What it means for you
- CIO / IT Executive: On Monday morning, initiate a review of our current platform architecture to identify all instances of multi-agent algorithmic systems and assess their delegation models, specifically looking for 'distributed delegation' patterns to ensure human input is integrated effectively.
- IT Manager: On Monday morning, schedule a technical deep-dive with your team focused on one specific algorithmic system that delegates to humans; analyze its current delegation logic and identify specific points where human trace data, choice data, or direct intervention are critical inputs, and document these dependencies.
- Business Strategist: On Monday morning, begin a strategic assessment of our core business processes that rely on algorithmic delegation; map out the human touchpoints and decision points that are currently integrated, or could be integrated, within a 'distributed delegation' framework to enhance system resilience and adaptability.
- Researcher: On Monday morning, draft a research proposal outlining a study to quantitatively measure the impact of 'distributed delegation' on system performance and user satisfaction in our specific domain, focusing on how varying levels of human input influence outcomes.
- Policymaker: On Monday morning, convene a working group to examine existing regulations and internal policies related to algorithmic decision-making and human oversight; identify any gaps that need addressing to better accommodate 'distributed delegation' scenarios, ensuring clarity on accountability and human agency.