RT Journal Article
T1 Algorithmic transparency and bureaucratic discretion: The case of SALER early warning system
A1 Criado, J. Ignacio
A1 Valero, Julián
A1 Villodre, Julián
K1 Algorithms
K1 Algorithmic transparency
K1 Algorithmic governance
K1 Regulation
K1 Compliance
K1 Decision-making
K1 Discretionary power
K1 Spain
AB The governance of public sector organizations has been challenged by the growing adoption and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems and algorithms. Algorithmic transparency, conceptualized here using the dimensions of accessibility and explainability, fosters the appraisal of algorithms’ footprint in decisions of public agencies, and should include impacts on civil servants’ work. However, although discretion will not disappear, AI innovations might have a negative impact on how public employees support their decisions. This article is intended to answer the following research questions: RQ1. To what extent algorithms affect discretionary power of civil servants to make decisions?RQ2. How algorithmic transparency can impact discretionary power of civil servants? To do so, we analyze SALER, a case based on a set of algorithms focused on the prevention of irregularities in the Valencian regional administration (GVA), Spain, using a qualitative methodology supported on semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. Among the results of the study, our empirical work suggests the existence of a series of factors that might be linked to the positive impacts of algorithms on the work and discretionary power of civil servants. Also, we identify different pathways for achieving algorithmic transparency, such as the involvement of civil servants in active development, or auditing processes being recognized by law, among others.
PB SAGE IOS Press
YR 2020
FD 2020-11-01
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10433/26101
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10433/26101
LA es
NO Information Polity, 25(4), 449-470
NO This study was partially supported by the Research Grant Prometeo 2017/064, Generalitat Valenciana Research Agency, and the Research Grant H2019-HUM 5699 (On Trust), Madrid Regional Research Agency and European Social Fund.Copyright: © 2020 – IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved Under Sage's Green Open Access policy, the Accepted Version of the article may be posted in the author's institutional repository and reuse is restricted to non-commercial and no derivative uses. El acceso a la versión del editor puede requerir la suscripción del recurso. Access to the published version may require subscription
NO Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Departamento de Derecho Público
DS RIO
RD May 9, 2026