Algorithmization in Public Institutions: Balancing Efficiency and Ethics in the Age of Transparency

Algorithmization in public institutions entails a transformative approach to governance which promises greater efficiency in the delivery of public services. Against this background, this study was conducted to examine the deployment of algorithms in public institutions with the view to balancing efficiency and ethics in the age of transparency. The data for this paper were acquired through reviewing extant literature on algorithmization in governance; this is achieved via surfing search engines and databases such as Google Scholar, ERIC, EBSCO, and PROQUEST. This conceptual approach examines, aggregates, and synthesises insights from scientific literature to offer a comprehensive overview of algorithmization and associated challenges. Findings reveal, inter alia, that while algorithmization can improve operational efficiency; this should not eclipse the fundamental objective of delivering public values. The pressure to optimize performance metrics can lead to the prioritization of efficiency at the expense of equity and inclusion. The paper validates and suggests five administrative solutions/reforms necessary for ethical AI. It is also revealed that integration of algorithmic systems in public institutions presents several challenges that risk public values raising significant ethical concerns. Hence it is recommended, inter alia, that public institutions must adopt a balanced control approach that evaluates algorithms deployment not only in efficiency reasons but also on social impact, equity and quality of service (public values).