Sharers and sellers: A multi-group examination of gig economy workers' perceptions

Abstract

The increased usage and proliferation of businesses entering the gig economy has meant more employment options for individuals wishing to participate in the gig economy. However, not all gig employment opportunities are the same. Typically, gig employment opportunities fall into one of two categories: the sharing economy or direct selling. These two types of gig employment are unique in the perceptions of those that choose to engage in them. This research seeks to provide insights into the drivers of gig worker perceptions of the product, organizational trust, job outcome status and satisfaction. Results suggest that direct sales workers have higher levels of self-congruence, and lower levels of perceived commerciality, leading to positive evaluations of the product offered, organizational trust and job satisfaction. Conversely, sharing economy workers have much lower levels of self-congruence, and higher levels of perceived commerciality, leading to a more complicated relationship with the outcome variables.