What algorithmic evaluation fails to deliver: respectful treatment and individualized consideration

Abstract

As firms increasingly depend on artificial intelligence to evaluate people across various contexts (e.g., job interviews, performance reviews), research has explored the specific impact of algorithmic evaluations in the workplace. In particular, the extant body of work focuses on the possibility that employees may perceive biases from algorithmic evaluations. We show that although perceptions of biases are indeed a notable outcome of AI-driven assessments (vs. those performed by humans), a crucial risk inherent in algorithmic evaluations is that individuals perceive them as lacking respect and dignity. Specifically, we find that the effect of algorithmic (vs. human) evaluations on perceptions of disrespectful treatment (a) remains significant while controlling for perceived biases (but not vice versa), (b) is significant even when the effect on perceived biases is not, and (c) is larger in size than the effect on perceived biases. The effect of algorithmic evaluations on disrespectful treatment is explained by perceptions that individuals’ detailed characteristics are not properly considered during the evaluation process conducted by AI. © The Author(s) 2024.