Public value misalignment and adoption of algorithmic tools: the influence of operational capacity and external support

Abstract

The public value perspective is widely applied in literature on algorithmic decision making due to potential for far-reaching consequences. However, research on how management inputs produce public value is limited. We theorize that stress points affect decision pathways between operational capacity, external support and public value in Moore’s classic schema, thus altering the strategic considerations of managers. Using the case of the United States public comments platform Regulations.gov and interviews with federal managers, we show what creates these stress points, how they influence adoption of algorithmic technologies, and what specific public values trade off as a result.