A Book on the New Era of Algorithms, AI, and Management
Algorithmic management refers to the delegation of decision-making and managerial responsibilities to automated systems, digital tools, or AI. But what happens in the workplace when machines begin to perform tasks traditionally carried out by managers? This question is becoming increasingly relevant for organizations and society alike.
The book is based on research conducted by Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences between 2025 and 2026, exploring the experiences and perspectives of Finnish professionals, supervisors, and executives regarding algorithmic management.
AI-Driven Management Is Already Part of Working Life
According to the study, nearly half of Finnish knowledge workers and experts have encountered algorithmic management in their work.
This book helps readers understand
- what algorithmic management means in practice
- where AI can effectively support management and leadership
- the benefits and risks associated with algorithmic management
- how trust, transparency, and employee participation influence its acceptance
- what the future of leadership may look like.
The book was published by Haaga-Helia as part of the RoboBoss project. Project partners included The Finnish Work Environment Fund, Abloy, Foibekartano, Jensen Hughes, Kesko, Sympa, Vetcare, Atea, Henry – Finnish Association of Human Resource Management, Trade Union of Professional Engineers in Finland, The West Uusimaa Chamber of Commerce, Keuke – Keski-Uusimaa Development Centre, Nestor Partners, Posintra, SEKES – Finnish Association of Business and Development Companies, Sofigate, Finnish Mentors, Healthtech Finland, TIEKE Finnish Information Society Development Centre, Professional Managers and Experts Finland (Tradenomiliitto), Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Federation of Finnish Enterprises Uusimaa, and the Cities of Espoo and Vantaa.
Contents
1. Foreword
1.1 The process behind this book
2. How algorithmic management works, or how people can be managed by AI
3. Limits and responsibilities
3.1 AI literacy: An obligation and opportunity
4. Algorithmic management in Finland today
4.1 AI-based managers are already part of everyday working life
4.2 Human managers are still more popular than AI
4.3 How people feel about AI-based managers and the use of data
4.4 Perceived impacts divide opinions
4.5 Participation determines acceptability
4.6 AI and human managers in expert work – A focus on management style and trust
4.7 AI in management – Opinions from managers
5. How companies can gain added value from algorithmic management
5.1 Use cases for AI in management processes
5.2 Algorithmic management can truly support people
6. Algorithmic management as part of the AI debate: Hype, pressure, and judgment
7. Implications for organizations: The roots, blooms, and thorns of algorithmic management
7.1 Roots: Values, trust, competence, and data
7.2 Thorns: Tensions that must be managed
7.3 Blooms: Tangible benefits
8. Workplace recommendations
9. The future of algorithmic management
9.1 Algorithmic management in strategic management
9.2 Algorithmic management in supervisory work
9.3 The future tasks of AI and human managers
9.4 Management competences in the era of algorithmic management
10. Conclusion
10.1 The access–risk trade-off in algorithmic management
10.2 Current state and desired future state
10.3 Legal, human, and financial considerations
10.4 Key takeaways
10.5 Summary
11. References
12. Further reading
12.1 Articles, blogs, and other publications
12.2 News and media
12.3 Presentations, talks, and workshops
13. Authors
14. Partners
Read online or download the e-book
The e-book is available free of charge.
