Work in the digital age

Algorithmic management, practices of control and governance of multiple workers through software algorithms, is one of the central developments of the sharing economy in terms of the future of work. This paper highlights and illustrates the characteristics of algorithmic management, its impact on those who make their property and labour available in the sharing economy, and the coping strategies they use to deal with it.

In this study, we examine the extent to which so-called Enterprise Social Software (ESS) in internal communication can positively complement or hinder the works council with regard to co-determination. The central research question of the study is: What opportunities and challenges do ESS offer for participation in the company and what options for action arise for works councils?

With the rising use of Artificial Intelligence within different functions in society, the issues of bias within these systems are becoming more widespread and notably impacting a larger number of people with a higher degree of seriousness. To mitigate and address these issues, this paper analyzes current practices in dataset compilation, use and AI system design before highlighting some state-of-the-art work being done in this domain. This is followed by recommendations to improve and build upon that work and propose and inclusivity matrix along with an evaluation metrics, vernacular sharing and a call for small-data-based AI approaches as concrete steps in addressing the issue of bias in these systems.

In this volume, we would like to highlight the challenges and opportunities of datification and new ways of working from the point of view of personnel management and co-determination. The aim is to draw attention to modern forms of participation and to generate approaches for common visions of the future. The editorial volume is intended to address a broad readership from science and practice (actors of co-determination, trade unions, personnel management, politics).