Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS)

Decision Legitimacy in AI-Enabled Organizations: A Multilevel Framework of Algorithmic Authority and Human Judgment

Aslı TENDERİS

21 May 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 5, pp. 604-615

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E5/2026-14

Abstract

This study develops a theoretical framework explaining decision legitimacy in AI-enabled organizations as an emergent outcome of the interplay between algorithmic authority and human judgment. Drawing on institutional theory, socio-technical systems, and behavioral decision-making, it identifies procedural, distributive, and cognitive legitimacy as key dimensions. While AI enhances efficiency and consistency, legitimacy depends on transparency, explainability, and perceived fairness. Algorithmic authority may both strengthen and undermine legitimacy, whereas human judgment remains essential for contextual interpretation and accountability. The study advances multilevel propositions and outlines a research agenda for examining legitimacy in hybrid human–AI decision systems.

Keywords: Decision Legitimacy, Algorithmic Authority, Human Judgment, AI-Enabled Organizations, Theoretical Framework

Read the full text on Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies →The full peer-reviewed article and PDF are hosted on the journal's site (the version of record).

Aslı TENDERİS (2026). Decision Legitimacy in AI-Enabled Organizations: A Multilevel Framework of Algorithmic Authority and Human Judgment. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(5), 604-615. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E5/2026-14

@article{Asl2026,
  title   = {Decision Legitimacy in AI-Enabled Organizations: A Multilevel Framework of Algorithmic Authority and Human Judgment},
  author  = {Aslı TENDERİS},
  journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {5},
  pages   = {604-615},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E5/2026-14},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E5/2026-14}
}

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