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Algorithmic Accountability in Public Administration: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Framework for Responsible AI Governance

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  • TOLEDO, RALPH RENDELL

    (Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office)

Abstract

(This manuscript is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed.) The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in government decision-making has raised important questions about accountability in public administration. While AI technologies offer opportunities to improve efficiency, data analysis, and public service delivery, the integration of algorithmic systems into administrative processes also introduces new governance challenges related to transparency, responsibility, and democratic oversight. This study examines how algorithmic accountability is addressed in the existing literature on artificial intelligence in the public sector. Using a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework, the study analyzes 45 peer-reviewed publications drawn from major academic databases. The findings identify five key governance dimensions discussed in the literature: transparency in algorithmic decision-making, explainability of AI systems, human oversight and administrative responsibility, ethical governance of artificial intelligence, and public trust in digital government. Based on these findings, the study proposes a conceptual framework that explains how these governance mechanisms interact to support accountable algorithmic decision systems in public administration. The framework extends traditional public administration theories of accountability to the emerging governance challenges created by algorithmic decision systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Toledo, Ralph Rendell, 2026. "Algorithmic Accountability in Public Administration: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Framework for Responsible AI Governance," SocArXiv j495x_v1, Center for Open Science.
  • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:j495x_v1
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/j495x_v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mariarosaria Taddeo & Luciano Floridi, 2018. "Regulate artificial intelligence to avert cyber arms race," Nature, Nature, vol. 556(7701), pages 296-298, April.
    2. Bernd W. Wirtz & Jan C. Weyerer & Carolin Geyer, 2019. "Artificial Intelligence and the Public Sector—Applications and Challenges," International Journal of Public Administration, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(7), pages 596-615, May.
    3. Jamie Berryhill & Kévin Kok Heang & Rob Clogher & Keegan McBride, 2019. "Hello, World: Artificial intelligence and its use in the public sector," OECD Working Papers on Public Governance 36, OECD Publishing.
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