Can fairness be formally designed into office information systems? This research examines the concept of "due process" within the context of decentralized office negotiations. It argues that task organization and alliances inevitably lead to inconsistent knowledge and procedures, making it impossible to establish universally correct answers. Due process, therefore, involves articulating alternative solutions to address this challenge. Through a case study of a rate-setting group within a health insurance firm, the research demonstrates the practical implications of due process. The study highlights a problem and its consequences Instead of seeking formal solutions, the research proposes an approach based on social science perspectives, focusing on local closures to organizational problems. This involves analyzing local knowledge, assessing its transferability, and reconciling incommensurate assumptions and procedures. These elements are essential for fostering effective due process in distributed intelligent office information systems.
Published in ACM Transactions on Information Systems, this study aligns with the journal's focus on the intersection of information systems and organizational dynamics. By exploring the concept of due process within the context of office workflows, the paper addresses relevant themes in information technology and its impact on workplace processes.