A Replication of “Explaining Why the Computer Says No: Algorithmic Transparency Affects the Perceived Trustworthiness of Automated Decision‐Making”

Xuemei Fang; Huayu Zhou; Song Chen

doi:10.1111/padm.70015

journal article Aug 27, 2025

A Replication of “Explaining Why the Computer Says No: Algorithmic Transparency Affects the Perceived Trustworthiness of Automated Decision‐Making”

Xuemei Fang

Huayu Zhou

Song Chen

Public Administration Vol. 103 No. 4 pp. 1232-1252 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/padm.70015

Abstract

ABSTRACT
With the advancement of artificial intelligence, algorithms are transforming the operations of the public sector. However, lack of algorithm transparency may result in issues such as algorithmic bias and accountability challenges, ultimately undermining public trust. Based on the principles of replication experiments and procedural justice theory, this study conducted a replication of Grimmelikhuijsen in a Chinese context. The replication reaffirmed Grimmelikhuijsen's core findings that algorithmic explainability enhances public trust, thus demonstrating its potential to foster trust across cultural contexts. Unlike the original research, the results indicated that accessibility remains important for fostering trust. The impact of transparency varies across decision contexts, with greater effects in high‐discretion situations. By replicating Grimmelikhuijsen, the current research not only provides new empirical support for procedural justice theory, but it also offers practical insights into configuring algorithmic transparency within a public administration context.

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Details

Published: Aug 27, 2025
Vol/Issue: 103(4)
Pages: 1232-1252
License: View

Authors

X

Xuemei Fang

School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology People's Republic of China

H

Huayu Zhou

School of Public Administration, Hunan University People's Republic of China

S

Song Chen

College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University People's Republic of China

Cite This Article

Xuemei Fang, Huayu Zhou, Song Chen (2025). A Replication of “Explaining Why the Computer Says No: Algorithmic Transparency Affects the Perceived Trustworthiness of Automated Decision‐Making”. Public Administration, 103(4), 1232-1252. https://doi.org/10.1111/padm.70015

A Replication of “Explaining Why the Computer Says No: Algorithmic Transparency Affects the Perceived Trustworthiness of Automated Decision‐Making”

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