The Unaccountability Machine

The book delves into the complexities of decision-making in modern society, highlighting how avoidance leads to undesirable outcomes in markets and institutions. Dan Davies explores the ideas of Stafford Beer, who proposed viewing organizations as artificial intelligences capable of independent decision-making. By applying management cybernetics, Beer aimed for self-regulation within organizations, a concept overlooked, contributing to current political and economic crises. Through a blend of cynicism and journalistic insight, Davies critiques past failures and reflects on potential alternatives.