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Article
Publication date: 17 October 2023

Jianyu Chen

The emerging nonstandard employment (i.e. gig work) makes gig workers face a series of forms of labor insecurity. Prior studies focus on the linkage between gig work insecurity…

Abstract

Purpose

The emerging nonstandard employment (i.e. gig work) makes gig workers face a series of forms of labor insecurity. Prior studies focus on the linkage between gig work insecurity and precariousness. However, how gig workers and platforms jointly handle gig work insecurity has been so far overlooked. To this end, this study aims to explore how gig platforms and workers jointly cope with the insecurity of the gig work model.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon the JD-R model, this study used a double-level perspective to hypothesize how gig platforms and workers jointly cope with gig work insecurity. Second, 248 questionnaire data were collected from workers who worked for several gig platforms (e.g. Meituan, Eleme, DidiTax, Zhihu and Credamo) in China. Third, the analysis method based on the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the study theoretical model.

Findings

Empirical findings show that gig workers can cope with gig work insecurity by crafting their work; gig platforms' formalization governance not only reduces gig work insecurity but also helps gig workers address it by more easily crafting their work.

Practical implications

Gig workers do always have not enough job resources and motivation to work hard. Gig workers merely rely on job crafting to cope with the insecurity of the gig work model, which is insufficient. Gig platforms should also formalize their current governance mechanisms, which can supplement gig workers' job resources and reduce their job demands so as to help them cope with such gig work insecurity.

Originality/value

These results advance the understanding of the joint roles of gig platforms and workers in addressing gig work insecurity and improve governance effectiveness and value of gig platforms.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2024

Nastaran Hajiheydari and Mohammad Soltani Delgosha

Digital labor platforms (DLPs) are transforming the nature of the work for an increasing number of workers, especially through extensively employing automated algorithms for…

Abstract

Purpose

Digital labor platforms (DLPs) are transforming the nature of the work for an increasing number of workers, especially through extensively employing automated algorithms for performing managerial functions. In this novel working setting – characterized by algorithmic governance, and automatic matching, rewarding and punishing mechanisms – gig-workers play an essential role in providing on-demand services for final customers. Since gig-workers’ continued participation is crucial for sustainable service delivery in platform contexts, this study aims to identify and examine the antecedents of their working outcomes, including burnout and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

We suggested a theoretical framework, grounded in the job demands-resources heuristic model to investigate how the interplay of job demands and resources, resulting from working in DLPs, explains gig-workers’ engagement and burnout. We further empirically tested the proposed model to understand how DLPs' working conditions, in particular their algorithmic management, impact gig-working outcomes.

Findings

Our findings indicate that job resources – algorithmic compensation, work autonomy and information sharing– have significant positive effects on gig-workers’ engagement. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that job insecurity, unsupportive algorithmic interaction (UAI) and algorithmic injustice significantly contribute to gig-workers’ burnout. Notably, we found that job resources substantially, but differently, moderate the relationship between job demands and gig-workers’ burnout.

Originality/value

This study contributes a theoretically accurate and empirically grounded understanding of two clusters of conditions – job demands and resources– as a result of algorithmic management practice in DLPs. We developed nuanced insights into how such conditions are evaluated by gig-workers and shape their engagement or burnout in DLP emerging work settings. We further uncovered that in gig-working context, resources do not similarly buffer against the negative effects of job demands.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 December 2023

Shravani Guduru, Nivethitha Santhanam and Nancyprabha Pushparaj

This paper aims to quantitatively explore the trends and patterns of the existing literature in the gig economy.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to quantitatively explore the trends and patterns of the existing literature in the gig economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a total of 1,707 documents retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, bibliometric analysis using R-Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software was performed to map the studies in the gig economy.

Findings

The paper provides information on the most productive authors, countries and journals, as well as the emerging themes in gig research. It highlights the most prolific authors, with a notable presence from the USA and the UK, which are also the countries with the most publications and citations. China has also emerged prominently, both in terms of the number of publications and its involvement in thematic clusters and trending topics. Through co-word analysis and thematic clustering, the study provides information about emerging themes in gig economy studies, such as labor, technology, management and precarity. The results provide insightful information for comprehending the effects of gig labor in the contemporary workforce.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarly literature related to the gig economy, exploring the key insights by highlighting the evolving trends in gig research.

Originality/value

By mapping thematic clusters, tracking research evolution and identifying trending topics, it provides a unique perspective on the field's development and emerging areas of focus. It serves as a valuable means for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the gig economy.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2024

Bhumika Ray, Atri Sengupta and Arup Varma

Despite the popularity of gig employment amid the changing business landscape, gig scholarship is somewhat limited and the untold reality about gig is yet to be fully revealed…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the popularity of gig employment amid the changing business landscape, gig scholarship is somewhat limited and the untold reality about gig is yet to be fully revealed. This study aims to critically address the nature of gig employment, its ambiguities, evolution, theoretical premises and the appropriate future road ahead.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a dual analytical approach – bibliometric and thematic analyses. After incorporating the exclusion–inclusion criteria, the authors identified 2,135 articles for the bibliometric analyses by using VOSviewer. Additionally, for the deep-delving synthesis, the authors conducted thematic analyses following Braun and Clarke (2006), based on 351 papers.

Findings

The findings revealed that gig work, in its different forms, is emerging as an alternative work arrangement with respect to the future of work. This study also identified multilevel perspectives of gig employment along with its holistic nomological network. Finally, this study offers some critical research directions that should help enhance the theoretical and practical strengths of this nascent scholarship in future.

Research limitations/implications

The review findings are limited in nature owing to the paucity of quality research papers published in the said domain.

Practical implications

The paper brings more clarity to what gig is and isn’t, along with its critical perspectives from multilevel lenses.

Originality/value

This paper identifies critical perspectives related to gig work and suggests appropriate directions for future gig work related scholarship.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2023

Olatunji David Adekoya, Chima Mordi, Hakeem Adeniyi Ajonbadi and Weifeng Chen

This paper aims to explore the implications of algorithmic management on careers and employment relationships in the Nigerian gig economy. Specifically, drawing on labour process…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the implications of algorithmic management on careers and employment relationships in the Nigerian gig economy. Specifically, drawing on labour process theory (LPT), this study provides an understanding of the production relations beyond the “traditional standard” to “nonstandard” forms of employment in a gig economy mediated by digital platforms or digital forms of work, especially on ride-hailing platforms (Uber and Bolt).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted the interpretive qualitative approach and a semi-structured interview of 49 participants, including 46 platform drivers and 3 platform managers from Uber and Bolt.

Findings

This study addresses the theoretical underpinnings of the LPT as it relates to algorithmic management and control in the digital platform economy. The study revealed that, despite the ultra-precarious working conditions and persistent uncertainty in employment relations under algorithmic management, the underlying key factors that motivate workers to engage in digital platform work include higher job flexibility and autonomy, as well as having a source of income. This study captured the human-digital interface and labour processes related to digital platform work in Nigeria. Findings of this study also revealed that algorithmic management enables a transactional exchange between platform providers and drivers, while relational exchanges occur between drivers and customers/passengers. Finally, this study highlighted the perceived impact of algorithmic management on the attitude and performance of workers.

Originality/value

The research presents an interesting case study to investigate the influence of algorithmic management and labour processes on employment relationships in the largest emerging economy in Africa.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Panpan Zhang

This study aims to synthesize existing findings in the gig worker training literature and identify the training rationales adopted by these studies, using a synthesized framework…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to synthesize existing findings in the gig worker training literature and identify the training rationales adopted by these studies, using a synthesized framework of organizational training rationales. This study seeks to delineate the rationales behind gig worker training and highlight unaddressed training needs within digital platforms, ultimately proposing a research agenda for future studies in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review methodology is adopted to synthesize and analyze empirical, peer-reviewed studies on gig worker training.

Findings

The systematic review reveals that competency and economic rationales are predominantly adopted in gig worker training studies, with the relationship rationale, common in traditional training, notably absent. This study also outlines seven future research directions to highlight identified challenges and unaddressed training needs.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first work that systematically reviews existing findings on gig worker training.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2021

Abhishek Behl, Brinda Sampat and Sahil Raj

Gig workers form the backbone of any crowdsourcing platform where they showcase their talent and choose a job of their choice and freedom. The study explores the role of…

1227

Abstract

Purpose

Gig workers form the backbone of any crowdsourcing platform where they showcase their talent and choose a job of their choice and freedom. The study explores the role of information quality (IQ) and social-mediated dialogue (SMD) in evaluating gig worker engagement and productivity on crowdsourcing platforms. The authors also propose to understand how gig worker productivity could be improved under the moderating effect of game elements.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed and empirically tested by integrating media richness theory and dialogic public relation theory. Data were collected from gig workers that are involved in crowdsourcing activities for the past three years. An overall sample of 346 gig workers contributing to at least one of the crowdsourcing platforms was collected. The authors tested the hypotheses using Warp PLS 7.0. Warp PLS 7.0 uses partial least square (PLS) structured equation modeling (SEM) and has been used widely to test path analytical models.

Findings

Results reveal that the information quality plays an essential role in the SMD, thereby fostering gig workers' productivity and engagement, which could be improved in the presence of game elements due to their nature of supporting rewards. However, engagement in the platform leading to improved productivity was not supported.

Practical implications

The study lays practical foundations for crowdsourcing platforms as it sets the importance of both IQ and dialogic communication channels. The two-way communication between gig workers and the platforms via accurate, timely, valuable and reliable information forms the key to the task's success. The introduction of the right game element will help to achieve better engagement and productivity.

Originality/value

This study also offers a new dimension to media richness theory and dialogic public relation theory in crowdsourcing platforms. The results would help platform designers and gig employers understand gig workers' quality and performance in a platform economy. The study uniquely positions itself in the area of crowdsourcing platforms by using game elements.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2023

Mehmet Bahri Saydam, Jacek Borzyszkowski and Osman M. Karatepe

Online food delivery service has evolved swiftly and stretched the bounds of the catering business. In the gig economy, being a food delivery rider draws employees with the…

Abstract

Purpose

Online food delivery service has evolved swiftly and stretched the bounds of the catering business. In the gig economy, being a food delivery rider draws employees with the promise of flexibility and independence. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to explore the main themes shared in online reviews by food delivery riders and which of these themes are linked to positive and negative ratings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used 729 employee reviews posted on the Glassdoor website. In addition, they used content analysis to examine reviews of Uber Eats online food ordering company shared by food delivery riders on an online platform.

Findings

The results of this study include seven main themes: “earning,” “customers,” “orders,” “tips,” “car,” “flexible schedule” and “app” (navigation). Positive concepts are associated with “earning,” “orders,” “tips” and “flexible schedule.” Negative themes are linked to the “app” (navigation), “car” and “customers.”

Practical implications

Management should consider online reviews as employees’ opinions and voices. Specifically, management should provide financial support to employees for car maintenance, offer insurance for income stability and arrange training programs to enable them to use several tip-enhancing behaviors.

Originality/value

No research has been conducted using online reviews from an employment search engine to investigate employees’ experiences of online food delivery. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first attempts using user-generated content from an employment search engine to explore employees’ experiences.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 May 2023

Weimo Li, Yaobin Lu, Peng Hu and Sumeet Gupta

Algorithms are widely used to manage various activities in the gig economy. Online car-hailing platforms, such as Uber and Lyft, are exemplary embodiments of such algorithmic…

Abstract

Purpose

Algorithms are widely used to manage various activities in the gig economy. Online car-hailing platforms, such as Uber and Lyft, are exemplary embodiments of such algorithmic management, where drivers are managed by algorithms for task allocation, work monitoring and performance evaluation. Despite employing substantially, the platforms face the challenge of maintaining and fostering drivers' work engagement. Thus, this study aims to examine how the algorithmic management of online car-hailing platforms affects drivers' work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the transactional theory of stress, the authors examined the effects of algorithmic monitoring and fairness on online car-hailing drivers' work engagement and revealed the mediation effects of challenge-hindrance appraisals. Based on survey data collected from 364 drivers, the authors' hypotheses were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The authors also applied path comparison analyses to further compare the effects of algorithmic monitoring and fairness on the two types of appraisals.

Findings

This study finds that online car-hailing drivers' challenge-hindrance appraisals mediate the relationship between algorithmic management characteristics and work engagement. Algorithmic monitoring positively affects both challenge and hindrance appraisals in online car-hailing drivers. However, algorithmic fairness promotes challenge appraisal and reduces hindrance appraisal. Consequently, challenge and hindrance appraisals lead to higher and lower work engagement, respectively. Further, the additional path comparison analysis showed that the hindering effect of algorithmic monitoring exceeds its challenging effect, and the challenge-promoting effect of algorithmic fairness is greater than the algorithm's hindrance-reducing effect.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the underlying mechanisms concerning how algorithmic monitoring and fairness affect online car-hailing drivers' work engagement and fills the gap in the research on algorithmic management in the context of online car-hailing platforms. The authors' findings also provide practical guidance for online car-hailing platforms on how to improve the platforms' algorithmic management systems.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2023

Vishal Goel, Balakrishnan R. Unny, Samik Shome and Yuvika Gupta

This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis on the topic of digital labour. The study also identifies the future research directions for…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis on the topic of digital labour. The study also identifies the future research directions for the topic.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 118 research papers were identified and reviewed from 11 established research databases and A*, A and B category journals from the ABDC journal list. The papers covered a timespan between 2006 and 2023. Bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify key research hotspots.

Findings

The emergent themes and associated sub-themes related to digital labour were identified from the literature. The paper found three significant themes that include digital labour platform, gig economy and productivity. This study also acts as a platform to initiate further research in this field for academicians, scholars, industry practitioners and policymakers. The future research scope in the topic is also presented.

Originality/value

The present study is unique in its nature as it approaches the topic of digital labour from all relevant perspectives.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

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