Insights From “The Machine Stops” to Better Understand Rational Assumptions in Algorithmic Decision Making and Its Implications for Organizations

This essay represents the synthesis of a long process of de-liberation and intellectual struggle among the authors aboutthe wider topic of algorithmic decision making at work and insociety. Following Parkinson (2019), we underline that thisessay is our original work and that it was produced withoutthe help of an algorithm. In addition, some readers may findit useful to learn more about the practical relevance of thisessay as reported in the news already (Hill, 2019; Kahn, 2019).Former associate editor Jean Bartunek and the three re-viewers provided most insightful and stimulating commentsduring the review process. In addition, Christine Moser’scomments, and the feedback from the MOTI seminar series atGrenoble Ecole de Management, helped us consolidate thearguments presented in the essay. We are indebted to all ofthem for the intellectual generosity and guidance. A finalthank you from Dirk Lindebaum goes to Virginia Brown forhaving left Forster’s short story as a small gift on his desk oneday. It was only a small gift, but its inspiration for this essaywas extraordinary.