How Public Officials Perceive Algorithmic Discretion: A Study of Status Quo Bias in Policing
研究基于现状偏见理论，通过对英国警察的调查，发现转型成本、损失厌恶和绩效不确定性是导致警察不愿将裁量权交给算法的主要原因。
ABSTRACT Algorithms are disrupting established decision‐making practices in public administration. A key area of interest lies in algorithmic discretion or how public officials use algorithms to exercise discretion. The article develops a framework to explain algorithmic discretion by drawing on status quo bias theory and bureaucratic discretion. A study with police officers in the UK shows that—while officers still value their discretion—it is resistance via the aspects of status quo bias that accounts for a more substantial explanation. Transition costs, loss aversion, and performance uncertainty determine resistance and, in turn, reluctance to delegate discretion to algorithms. The study contributes to public administration research that demonstrates the influence of cognitive biases in the increasing use of algorithms in areas like policing. The article concludes with recommendations for embedding algorithmic discretion into the professional development of public officials to mitigate sources of status quo bias.