Algorithmic management: psychological measurement and associations with work design and mental strain

Abstract

Background: The increasing number of research on algorithmic management (AM) requires measurement tools based on established psychological theories. Filling this gap, the COMpleteness of Algorithmic MAnagement questionnaire (COMAMA) was developed and validated on platform and traditional worker samples in Germany. Method: The scale was developed in German and its final version also translated into English. Across six samples of workers form various types of occupation (overall n = 1005), we tested the content, factorial, discriminant, convergent, differential and criterion validity of the COMAMA scale. Results: The final 11-item scale assesses the workers perceived takeover of action steps by AM in the action regulation theory-based dimensions of directing, scheduling, monitoring and feedback. These dimensions formed the higher order construct of the completeness of algorithmic management which, as expected, was negatively related to job autonomy and positively related to work pace and irritation. Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest the COMAMA to be a valid instrument for future research on AM systems and human-centered work design.