eLancing motivations
Abstract
Purpose
eLancing is a networked online platform used for distributive problem-solving, economic production and service delivery. The platform includes websites/marketplaces where individuals interested in being hired, and clients looking for individuals to perform some type of work meet. eLancing boasts millions of users and billions of dollars in transactions, and it involves fundamental changes in the nature of work. The motivations of this research stems from the credo and notion in which the advances in technology are transforming firm and market structures, employee-employer relationship and the increased intimacy with decentralized system. In order to explore new applications for the eLancing model, there must be a better understanding of why individuals participate in eLancing activities. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 48 semi-structured interviews were conducted online with workers at elance.com.
Findings
Ten primary motivators for participation emerged that include following: work-family balance, flexibility and autonomy; economic incentives; skills development; trust and transparency; geographical location; unemployment, equality and disability; higher returns; reputation; passion and enjoyment in problem-solving; and revenge.
Originality/value
The current study has added rich qualitative data to the scanty eLancing literature and managerial implications are discussed.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Interview transcript excerpts are presented according to responses, no changes or corrections including capitalization and punctuation. “[…]” were used in the manuscript to indicate unimportant commentary omitted by the author. In regard to potential edits, for instance, if an eLancer types “discrimination” in one line, but immediately follows it up with “discrimination” in the next message, then it is clear that he/she wants to correct the spelling error. In such scenario, the misspelling correction is taken into consideration.
Citation
Abubakar, A.M. and Shneikat, B.H.T. (2017), "eLancing motivations", Online Information Review, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 53-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-09-2015-0306
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited