Navigating the Future of Work: Ratings, Algorithms, and Digital Platforms

Abstract

Continued advances in technology have spurred a vociferous debate about how technology impacts, and is impacted by, work and organizations. While researchers have begun to estimate the economic impact of these changes, sorely lacking amidst this discussion is empirical analysis of how the continued shift from stable, direct employment to contingent, market-mediated forms of employment is impacting how people work and organizational processes unfold. In this symposium, we present three empirical studies and one conceptual framework to offer new ways of thinking and ignite discussions on some of the opportunities and challenges central to the debate on the future of work. We focus on two major themes. First, we explore how the rapid proliferation of algorithmic management, namely performance evaluations or ratings, impact career trajectories, customer service interactions, and sensemaking within digital work environment. Second, we turn to the evaluation of new ideas, exploring how the adoption of digital platforms shapes how innovations are assessed and implemented in organizations. We intend for this symposium to spark a continuing discussion about how workers, technology, and organizations navigate the emerging changes that are becoming increasingly prevalent in our economy and society. Career Growth in Online Gig Labor Markets: A New Path Forward Presenter: Kimberly K. Merriman; U. of Massachusetts, Lowell Who Made the Stars?: Ratings Construction and Consequence in Platform-Mediated Labor Markets Presenter: Lindsey Cameron; U. of Michigan Algorithmic Fluidity: Sensemaking in Online Labor Markets Presenter: Hatim A. Rahman; Stanford U. Opening Up the Innovation Process Within the Firm Through a Digital Platform Presenter: Tristan L. Botelho; Yale School of Management