Hatim Rahman

In this insightful conversation, Hatim Rahman, an Associate Professor at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management and author of "Inside the Invisible Cage: How Algorithms Control Workers," discusses the complexities of digital platforms on labor dynamics. He explores the balance between algorithmic transparency and accountability, the evolution of traditional bureaucracy in the gig economy, and the power dynamics shifting under algorithmic governance. Rahman emphasizes the need for fairness and informed consent in these evolving employment landscapes.

Hatim Rahman, a sociologist of work and technology, sheds light on the rising influence of digital labor platforms, where even highly educated professionals are managed by algorithms. He discusses the paradox of flexibility versus unpredictability and how ratings can dictate a worker's visibility. Rahman explores the diminished protections for contract workers, emphasizing the role of opaque evaluations in job opportunities. The conversation also highlights the impact of algorithms on daily life and the necessity for collective action to ensure transparency and accountability.