Public Values and Technological Change: Mapping how Municipalities Grapple with Data Ethics

Abstract Local governments in the Netherlands are increasingly undertaking data projects for public management. While emergence of practices and application algorithms decision making management have led to a growing critical commentary, little actual empirical research has been conducted. Over past few years, we developed method that enables researchers enter organisations not merely as but also experts on ethics. Through participatory ethnographic observation, DEDA (Data Ethics Decision Aid) gives us special insight into ethics local government. Where most focused theoretical aspects ethics, our approach offers new perspective practices, by looking at how is done Our provides state awareness within mostly portrayed—within studies—as homogeneous monolithic entities. The distinct Utrecht Data School allows immerse themselves closely observe discourses address challenges arise consequence datafication. For purpose this chapter, analyse field work with through lens Mark Moore’s Strategic Triangle Public Value . We show can give three angles strategic triangle shaped practice. From analysis draw conclusions. First, ethical often low because literacy among civil servants limited. Second, recognising choices make or political choices, they decisions go beyond their mandate. Third, there dangerous tendency where deliberation sometimes seen an obnoxious bureaucratic box ticking exercise, instead being considered vital part design build-up project.