Bellandi Insight

Would You Take Orders from an AI Boss?

Algorithms are already assigning shifts, ranking employees and drafting performance reviews. Where is the line between fair automation and a digital panopticon?

Data & Dates

Jul 18, 2025: At Amazon’s RBKS division (Ring, Blink, Key, Sidewalk), promotions now require proof of AI use at work. Policy by Jamie Siminoff.
Jul 7, 2025: ResumeBuilder survey: 77% of managers use AI in promotion decisions, 66% in layoff decisions. Some delegate the final call to AI.
Jun 2025: Andy Jassy warns: AI will cut roles → calls for retraining and “AI skills” among employees.
Case studies: Algorithmic management systems shaping discipline and anti-union dynamics in large corporations (academic research, 2024–2025).

Amazon RBKS policy ResumeBuilder survey Fast Company Axios Guardian Academic study

Competing Explanations

1) Algorithm as a Better Boss

Less bias: standardized metrics, consistent scoring.
Scale & speed: processing KPI, code, tickets in seconds.
Transparency: logs of decisions (ideally auditable).

2) Digital Panopticon

Opaque logic: black-box models, hidden discrimination.
Lost signals: context, leadership, creativity ignored.
Legal risks: blurred accountability in discrimination suits.

Reality is likely hybrid: humans set goals and boundaries, AI aggregates data, but accountability stays with a person.

Your Turn

Question: Would you accept an AI boss if appeals and transparency were guaranteed? Or must leadership always remain human-in-charge?