Michael McGann
Papers
1
Total Citations
58
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Michael McGann is a leading scholar in the sociology of work and social policy, whose research critically examines the intersection of digital governance, artificial intelligence, and welfare state restructuring. His work is best known for pioneering the concept of “machine bureaucracies,” exploring how algorithmic decision-making is reshaping frontline service delivery. In his highly influential paper, “Can Robots Understand Welfare? Exploring Machine Bureaucracies in Welfare-to-Work” (2022, 58 citations), McGann investigates how automated systems are replacing the traditional discretion of street-level bureaucrats, fundamentally altering citizens’ access to employment services and social benefits. This contribution has positioned him at the forefront of debates on the ethical and practical implications of AI in public administration. Beyond this, his research portfolio spans performance-based contracting, activation policies, and the changing nature of work for disadvantaged jobseekers. With a growing citation impact, McGann’s work is essential reading for anyone interested in how technology is transforming the welfare state, raising urgent questions about fairness, accountability, and the human dimensions of automated governance.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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