Passing the buck: Delegating choices to others to avoid responsibility and blame

Me or information technology? Adoption of artificial intelligence in the delegation of personal strategic decisions

“…When provided with the opportunity to delegate a decision to an algorithm, people can transfer the responsibility from themselves to the technology. Although they generally might prefer to make the decision themselves (Botti et al, ; Botti & Iyengar, ; Botti & McGill, ; Iyengar & Lepper, ), the decision delegation to the algorithm potentially provides them with a defensive avoidance approach in case of more complex decision situations (Steffel et al, ; Steffel & Williams, ). In consequence, we propose the following two hypotheses:Hypothesis When exposed to more complex strategic decision‐making contexts, decision makers are more likely to delegate their decision to an algorithm.Hypothesis When exposed to less complex strategic decision‐making contexts, decision makers are less likely to delegate their decision to an algorithm.…”

“…On the basis of a series of experimental studies, Steffel and Williams (2018) showed that consumers tend to delegate difficult decisions, even in cases of important and enduring consequences. A prior study identified delegation as a potential escape option by transferring responsibility and potential blame to a third party (Steffel, Williams, & Perrmann-Graham, 2016). The authors showed that the delegation decision was determined not by the surrogate's expertise, but by their willingness and authority to assume responsibility for the decision results (Steffel et al, 2016;Steffel & Williams, 2018).…”

“…When provided with the opportunity to delegate a decision to an algorithm, people can transfer the responsibility from themselves to the technology. Although they generally might prefer to make the decision themselves (Botti et al, 2009;Botti & Iyengar, 2004;Botti & McGill, 2006;Iyengar & Lepper, 2000), the decision delegation to the algorithm potentially provides them with a defensive avoidance approach in case of more complex decision situations (Steffel et al, 2016;Steffel & Williams, 2018). In consequence, we propose the following two hypotheses:…”

Advice‐seeking and advice‐utilization for hiring decisions: An investigation of a partially outsourced recruitment process for rank‐and‐file managers

“…When the potential consequences of decisions are significant, individuals wish to cede decisions to others (Steffel, Williams, & Perrmann‐Graham, ). Hence, Edelson, Polania, Ruff, Fehr, and Hare () report that many of the subjects in their experiments exhibit responsibility aversion; they were not willing to assume responsibility for others and therefore refused to lead.…”

“…Hence, Edelson, Polania, Ruff, Fehr, and Hare () report that many of the subjects in their experiments exhibit responsibility aversion; they were not willing to assume responsibility for others and therefore refused to lead. This responsibility avoidance is exacerbated by the fact that poor choices often induce more exposure and attention than good choices (Steffel et al, ). Hence, individuals wish to avoid bad outcomes rather than getting credit for good outcomes.…”