The Influence of Co-Design and Transparency on Perceived Legitimacy in Algorithmic Decision-Making in the Public Sector

This study investigates the impact of citizen involvement (co-design) and explainable transparency on the perceived legitimacy of algorithmic decision-making (ADM) within public administration. By employing a 2x2 factorial vignette experiment in the specific context of automated childcare place allocation, the research analyzes how these governance mechanisms influence pragmatic, moral, and cognitive legitimacy perceptions. Furthermore, the potential moderating role of co-design on the relationship of transparency and perceived legitimacy is examined.