Gig Economy Research Articles

Algorithmic Management. Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Organizational Development

Algorithmic management leverages data-driven algorithms and artificial intelligence to automate managerial functions traditionally executed by human managers. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of algorithmic management, exploring its definitions and emergence in gig economy platforms and traditional workplaces. It delves into key sociological and organizational theories—including Weber's bureaucracy, Critical Management Studies (CMS), and technological rationality—to frame the discussion. The impact of algorithmic management on employee autonomy, digital surveillance, and forms of worker resistance is examined, alongside its role in shaping organizational structures, enhancing efficiency, and driving innovation. Ethical implications, particularly concerning fairness, transparency, and bias, are critically analyzed. While algorithmic management offers potential benefits such as improved efficiency and decision-making, it also raises significant concerns about worker autonomy, power imbalances, and ethical considerations. The paper underscores the need for a nuanced understanding and responsible implementation of algorithmic management to harness its advantages while mitigating its drawbacks.

Undocumented immigrants and the growth of Hispanic entrepreneurship

AbstractOver the last two decades, there has been a significant surge in the self-employment rate among Hispanics, especially among Hispanic immigrants. However, the reasons behind this increase remain underexplored. This paper addresses this gap by examining the role of undocumented immigrants, a substantial part of the Hispanic immigrant population, by discerning immigrants’ legal status in the Current Population Survey–Annual Social and Economic data (1994–2018). The findings reveal that the nearly doubled self-employment rate among Hispanic immigrants is primarily driven by undocumented individuals, especially those of Mexican origin. A key factor is the post-9/11 tightening of immigration enforcement, which worsened job prospects for undocumented immigrants, pushing many into self-employment. This event triggered a distinct pattern in Hispanic self-employment, setting it apart from other demographic groups. Other factors, such as business cycles, state-level immigration policies, the gig economy, and the growth of the Hispanic community, also contribute but play a lesser role.

The widening gender wage gap in the gig economy in China: the impact of digitalisation

The gig economy, fundamentally relying on the digital economy, is often celebrated for its potential to expand employment opportunities and close gender wage gaps. However, research on its gender impacts in China, the largest developing country with a rapidly expanding gig sector, is notably lacking. Employing discrimination theory, the findings challenge the prevailing optimistic view on the role of the gig economy. Utilising the China Labour Dynamics Survey data from 2014, 2016, and 2018, and applying the Bourguignon, Fournier, and Gurgand model to correct selection bias, this study reveals that, digitalisation has exacerbated gender wage gaps, with the wage growth of female gig workers significantly lagging behind their male counterparts, especially among married and older cohorts. Adopting the Neumark decomposition, the analysis confirms that discrimination largely accounts for this gap. This study uses Generalised Propensity Score Matching as robustness test and concludes with policy recommendations.

Navigating the Gig Economy: Talent identification in tripartite work arrangements in Morocco

The gig economy is transforming the traditional employment landscape in Morocco, introducing both challenges and opportunities for talent identification. As online labor platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Uber become increasingly prevalent, they facilitate the connection between freelance workers and SMEs seeking flexible labor solutions. This paper delves into the intricacies of tripartite work arrangements that encompass these platforms, the requesters (SMEs), and the gig workers themselves. By examining these relationships, we uncover the unique aspects of talent identification within the Moroccan gig economy. Our study employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to gather comprehensive data from various stakeholders.We identify that while online platforms employ standardized algorithms for talent identification, these methods often overlook local cultural and linguistic nuances critical to the Moroccan context. SMEs in Morocco tend to heavily rely on platform-mediated ratings and reviews, which underscores the trust placed in these digital reputation systems. Furthermore, our findings reveal that gig workers who invest in skill development and actively manage their online reputations are more likely to secure consistent and lucrative opportunities.This research provides a conceptual framework for understanding the complexities of talent identification in Morocco's gig economy, offering valuable insights for enhancing talent management practices. We propose several recommendations for platforms to refine their algorithms, for SMEs to develop more robust evaluation criteria, and for gig workers to focus on continuous skill enhancement. This paper not only contributes to the academic discourse on gig work but also provides practical guidelines for stakeholders to navigate and optimize talent identification processes in Morocco's evolving labor market.

Fueling the future: unveiling what drives gig worker motivation and engagement in Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape

PurposeThe gig economy has rapidly grown due to economic trends supporting flexible work and digital platforms, leading to increased demand for corporate gig workers. Although numerous studies have explored various aspects of the gig economy, research on the motivational and engagement factors of gig workers remains relatively rare. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence corporate gig workers’ motivation and engagement in the geographical context of Sri Lanka. Specifically, job autonomy, remuneration, social connection and technology and investigated here.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative study, employing a deductive research approach, was conducted with data gathered through a survey designed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. Respondents were conveniently selected from Sri Lankan corporate gig workers. A total of 397 responses were obtained through a snowball sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling, providing a robust framework for evaluating the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe findings revealed that job autonomy, remuneration, social connection and technology significantly influence corporate gig worker motivation, whereas motivation significantly influences the engagement of corporate gig workers in Sri Lanka.Research limitations/implicationsThis study faced common limitations. Due to challenges in identifying the framework for the population, a snowball sampling technique was employed. One key limitation is the study’s narrow focus on motivation factors within the Sri Lankan context, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the geographic focus and uneven sample distribution could limit the broader applicability of the conclusions. Future research should adopt a cross-cultural approach to explore the influence of social commerce adoption, enhancing the generalizability of the results.Practical implicationsA comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence the corporate gig worker motivation and engagement is provided, facilitating, the decision-makers to gain insight to enhance worker motivation and engagement by adapting strategies. This can lead to higher productivity and job satisfaction among gig workers.Originality/valueExamination of the motivational and engagement factors specific to corporate gig workers in Sri Lanka, a context that has received limited attention in previous research. Also, it contributes to the existing literature by providing a deeper understanding of the gig economy and gig work, particularly in a non-Western setting.

Мониторинг цифровой грамотности студентов в условиях развития гиг-экономики

The article examines the prospects of digital transformation of the higher economic education system. The purpose of the study is to monitor the digital literacy of economic university students in the context of the integration of digital technologies into the modern economy. The authors pointed out the need to increase the understanding of the features of the economy of free earnings (gig economy) from the perspective of the career prospects of future economists. In the course of the study, an online survey of students of the economics faculties of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation and Omsk State Technical University was conducted. It was aimed at studying the change in the level of digital literacy of students of 1-4 courses in the light of new trends in the labor market. There were 241 respondents. The obtained theoretical and empirical evidence highlighted the need to introduce new educational resources and technologies into the higher education process in accordance with the complex requirements of the labor market and society.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SUPPORT AND CAREER RESILIENCE: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AS A MEDIATOR IN THE GIG ECONOMY

This study addresses the research gap in understanding how social support influences career resilience among gig economy workers, with emotional intelligence as a mediating factor. While prior research has explored these variables in traditional employment contexts, there is limited investigation within the gig economy, especially in the Lamongan Regency. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between social support and career resilience and the mediating role of emotional intelligence. A quantitative approach using an explanatory research method was employed, with data collected from 100 gig workers through a Likert-scale questionnaire. The results demonstrate that social support positively impacts career resilience, with emotional intelligence enhancing this effect by mediating the relationship between the two. Gig workers with higher emotional intelligence showed greater adaptability in overcoming career challenges. These findings suggest the importance of fostering both social support networks and emotional intelligence to bolster career resilience. This research provides new insights for developing support mechanisms and training programs to improve gig workers' resilience in volatile work environments.

The truth about thriving gig workers: Why job demands and coping mechanisms are not enough?

Gig workers often face challenging work environments characterized by uncertain and unpredictable incomes, limited project opportunities, and unclear career paths. Despite these challenges, some gig workers succeed in moving from merely surviving to thriving in their work. While existing studies explore their struggles and resilience, the process that enables this transformation still needs to be explored, particularly in the context of Indonesia’s rapidly growing digital creative industry. Addressing this gap, this study aims to develop a model for thriving at work among gig workers in Indonesia’s digital creative industry. Using a quantitative approach, questionnaires were purposively distributed to 333 gig workers. Data analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed several key findings. Job demands directly influenced coping strategies, and psychological capital directly impacted goal setting. Both psychological capital and goal setting significantly influenced thriving at work, with goal setting mediating the relationship between psychological capital and thriving. However, job demands and coping strategies had no significant impact on thriving at work, nor did coping strategies mediate the relationship between job demands and thriving. These findings highlight that thriving in the gig economy relies more on internal resources like psychological capital and goal-setting skills, rather than external pressures such as job demands or coping mechanisms, emphasizing the need for personal development.

“Like shagging a dead fish”: misogyny and consent in online sex buyers’ reviews

ABSTRACT The subject of this paper is sex buyers’ (or punters’) reviews published on a popular and long-established escort review site in the UK. It examines these reviews in light of the legal definition of consent in England and Wales and within a framework of misogyny. The social implications of this online phenomenon are explored in relation to “review culture”, the gig economy, and the impact of big tech platforms. Through feminist digital ethnography, combined with large-scale discourse and corpus analysis, it reveals prominent discursive patterns within this online community, as well as ideological stances shared with other groups in the Manosphere. The findings show that reviewers express the most misogynistic sentiments when women disrupt their fantasies, thus pointing to the extent this digital technology grants them power over women’s freedom in the sex industry. This study contributes to existing research on sex buyers’ communities by conceptualising punters’ reviews as misogynistic tools that keep women subordinated to men, and by sparking a critical debate about the effectiveness of the consent framework, versus a misogyny-based framework, in determining sexual violence.

Generational Perspectives and Motivations within the Gig Economy in Slovenia

Abstract This paper aims to examine how the gig economy, as a global trend that is transforming labour markets worldwide, manifests itself in a smaller economy such as Slovenia. Specifically, the paper focuses on how this trend is manifested among Slovenian freelancers, with an emphasis on generational differences. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square test, were used in the study to explore perceptions and generational differences and to determine whether they are statistically significant. The results show that both younger and older individuals are likely to choose freelance work due to the need for flexibility and independence in project selection, reflecting their desire for greater control over their personal and professional lives. In addition, the research reveals a perception of insufficient support for such new types of careers and a need for educational programmes to improve skills and awareness of the digital labour market. The findings suggest the need for targeted policy measures to support freelancers of different age groups by implementing comprehensive government programs that promote lifelong learning and upskilling, enable the development of local coworking spaces, provide digital market information and include entrepreneurship education and digital literacy in school curricula to strengthen freelance careers, making them sustainable and contributing economically to regional development.

A Kantian Theory of Employment, or How Domestic Right Structures Contemporary Work: A Reply to Williams

This article shows how Kant’s framework of domestic right can be understood as a model for modern employment law, a suggestion made by Garrath Williams in a commentary on Kant’s Theory of Labour. I begin by exploring how Kant’s historical context informed his account of labor relations and argue that he made three key innovations: the theorization of domestic right, the linkage of work and political standing, and the development of contract right to make sense of the material dependency and formal equality of “free” contract workers. This account of contract-based work, however, sketches a dangerous “fantasy” of free contract that we see echoed in contemporary defenses of the gig economy. I show that this argument is central to understanding Kant’s evolving conception of the relationship between labor and citizenship, but I defend the claim that modern employment resembles domestic right more closely than contract right, by attending to both the formal structures of modern employment law and the lived experiences of professional employment in the digital age. Finally, I explore how drawing on the domestic model for understanding modern employment can help us to see the limits of both Kantian and contemporary accounts of the public good, by highlighting the ways that public law is deployed to formalize asymmetrical relations of dependence, to check their capacity for exploitation and domination. In so doing, public law acts to limit the scope of the state’s responsibility for both the formal and material conditions of equality, freedom, and flourishing, enforcing conditions in which citizens must rely on private employers for goods like health insurance, sick leave, and a minimum income.

Resistance to economic exploitation or religious oppression? A sociomaterial analysis of the agency of Muslim food-delivery workers facing algorithmic management

This qualitative case study examines food-delivery platforms in France in order to reveal how gig workers, lacking traditional employment protections and collective bargaining, rely on informal community mechanisms to develop collective agency that is closely linked to the materiality of platforms. Drawing upon sociomaterial theory and the concept of affordance, our results show that religious affiliation plays a crucial role in the actualization of algorithmic management artifacts by Muslim migrant workers and leads to a sense of emancipation and reconciliation between their religious and work identities. Religious communities, often overlooked or avoided by traditional organizations, act as mediators in the gig economy. Because it uses “ post-diversity” organizational practices that are indifferent to marginal socio-demographic categories, the gig economy provides workers with material, emotional, and informational resources that facilitate identity agency and prioritize it over algorithmic management. The present study contributes to the literature on platform work by illuminating the intricate duality of agency experienced by Muslim migrant workers in the food-delivery sector and developed through community-built resources. It highlights the prioritization of freedom from religious oppression in the labor market over economic considerations, which leads to the acceptance of exploitative working conditions and peer control.

Devolution of New Zealand Research to a Gig Economy

In 2005 the New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission’s (TEC) put out a call for academic feedback on their Strategic Review of the Tertiary Education Workforce. Authors on this review provided a comprehensive review of the increasing reliance of tertiary institutes, particularly universities, on fixed-term contract staff, and the inherent risks for New Zealand science of relying on staff with unstable career structures and funding support. We explored some of the causes behind the transformation of the workforce from permanent to fixed-term, and recommended a suite of potential pathways to help address the challenges. This current review reports that nearly 20 years on very little has changed, and indeed the situation has gotten worse, with more researchers than ever before now on fixed-term contracts, even at senior levels. We have failed to establish and fund a career fellowship system. There has been a lack of substantive increases in funding for grants like Marsden and HRC that can sustain employment of research staff, and grant funding has not kept up with inflation. The net result is that we have essentially created a gig economy for research staff, with reliance on repeated contracts over many years, with few if any opportunities to transition to permanent positions. Researchers must write more and more grants to sustain their salaries as grants are insufficiently funded due to lack of investment leaving staff with either reducing the contract time or without a full salary for the full duration. Low funding rates due to lack of investment make it increasingly difficult to get funding to pay their salaries. Researchers see a bleak future, and the brain drain has begun. Students do not see a career in research as attractive and thus our capacity to develop the next generation of Kiwi scientists is at risk. This crisis threatens our ability to undertake and deliver science, technology and innovation that is essential for the growth of our economy. Urgent action is needed to address this fundamentally flawed approach to how we fund university based research and how we fail to support sustainable research careers.

Skill-Biased Technical Change, Again? Online Gig Platforms and Local Employment

This study explores the impact of online gig platforms like TaskRabbit on the employment of incumbent service workers, focusing on the housekeeping sector. It highlights how TaskRabbit’s entry correlates with a decrease in middle-skilled roles such as supervisors due to automation, whereas low-skilled jobs like janitors remain stable because of their manual nature. Notably, many middle-skilled workers transition to self-employment within the sector instead of facing layoffs. Amidst competing narratives about the gig economy’s influence on labor markets, this research offers critical insights into how gig platforms redistribute the workforce and create new employment opportunities, suggesting significant implications for policymakers and practitioners. Policymakers should recognize the shift from traditional roles to self-employment facilitated by these platforms, which enhances local entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, it is crucial for them to ensure fair working conditions, wages, and benefits. Practitioners can see that gig platforms not only improve operational efficiency but also enable middle-skilled workers to launch their own businesses, indicating a potential strategy for new platforms looking to increase their service offerings and client base. Traditional companies, in response, need to adapt their job designs, incentive structures, and company culture to align with the changing needs for flexibility and autonomy in the gig economy.

Algorithmic Paranoia: Gig Workers' Affective Experience of Abusive Algorithmic Management

ABSTRACTAmidst the rapid rise of gig economy platforms, gig workers increasingly report feelings of mistrust, anxiety, and profound fear under opaque and abusive algorithmic management. This article introduces the concept of ‘algorithmic paranoia’ to capture the negative affective experiences stemming from workers' perceptions of algorithmic management as non‐transparent, arbitrary, and retaliatory. Drawing on the concept of organisational paranoia from sociology and organisation studies, we theorise how workers' adverse experiences breed mistrust and suspicion toward both human and nonhuman actors on the platform. This culminates in intense feelings of persecution and anticipations of harm, which workers strive to cope with through hypervigilance and self‐protective actions aimed at pre‐empting anticipated threats. Our study contributes to existing literature by emphasising the role of affect in workers' responses to algorithmic management, highlighting the self‐reinforcing dynamics among perceptions of abusive management, negative affective experiences, and preventive, self‐preserving actions. We base our findings on an abductive analysis of data from 53 in‐depth interviews with creative freelancers on gig economy platforms and conversations from an online community forum.

Meaningful app-work? Exploring meaningful work experiences of food delivery couriers in Poland

PurposeThe rise of app-based work in the gig economy, particularly within the food delivery sector, challenges traditional employment paradigms and raises questions about the potential for achieving meaningful work experiences. This study explores whether such work can be considered meaningful for food delivery couriers in Poland.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a qualitative, case-study approach, conducting 30 in-depth interviews with food delivery couriers in Poland. The study investigates how these workers perceive the meaningfulness of their work, focusing on the interplay between subjective and organisational aspects of their work.FindingsThe findings reveal that despite the precarious nature of app-based work, couriers often find meaningful experiences through perceived autonomy, gamified control and the physical demands of their job. The study highlights the dual nature of app work, where the same elements that contribute to worker engagement and a sense of independence also perpetuate exploitation and job insecurity.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s reliance on a convenience sample of 30 interviews conducted via social media may not represent the broader population of food delivery couriers. Future research should expand the sample size and include a more diverse range of participants to improve generalisability.Practical implicationsThe insights from this study can inform platform designers and policymakers to create more supportive environments for gig workers. Enhancing algorithmic transparency, providing better social protections and implementing fair gamification strategies can help mitigate the negative aspects of gig work and improve job satisfaction.Social implicationsThe study underscores the need for regulatory changes to ensure minimum guaranteed earnings and health and safety provisions for gig workers. By fostering a supportive and transparent work environment, the gig economy can better contribute to worker well-being and social equity.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the limited body of literature on meaningful work within the gig economy, particularly focusing on food delivery couriers in Poland. It provides new insights into how workers create and perceive meaningful work in a highly digitised and algorithmically managed environment.

Living one’s calling independently: the role of online labor platforms for different dynamics of calling enactment

PurposeThis study investigates the diverse career experiences of gig workers by looking at a sample of gig workers that are living a calling through online labor platforms (OLPs). Drawing from the systems informed positive psychology (SIPP) framework we examine the experiences and dynamics through which individuals can enact their calling through OLPs.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted 34 semi-structured interviews with gig workers who are able to live their calling through OLPs. The interviews were analyzed by using a grounded theory approach.FindingsOur findings reveal that gig workers sense of living a calling is rooted in the experience of being and feeling independent. Furthermore, we identify three dynamics of calling enactment through OLPs which are: (1) engaging in personal development, (2) constructing social fit and (3) stabilizing finances.Originality/valueWhile many studies document the precarious nature of the gig economy, our paper offers rich insight into positive career experiences of gig workers. Through taking a systemic view on individuals’ ability to live a calling, we illustrate how individuals interact with different features of OLPs to enact their calling. Finally, we suggest that besides direct dynamics of calling enactment there are also indirect dynamics of calling enactment that play an important role in individuals’ ability to live a calling in the gig economy.

Beyond the 9-to-5: Unravelling the Pros and Cons of Moonlighting in Today’s Job Market

In current years, moonlighting, defined as the practice of performing multiple tasks simultaneously, has gained prominence as an integral part of the evolving business environment. The first section explains the meaning and theoretical basis of moonlight. We explore its historical background, legal implications, and impact on employee well-being through established research. The second section focuses on our research methodology, highlighting the data selection criteria included in this study, which are carefully detailed. Strong research practices ensure the accuracy of our findings. The third category classifies motivations for moonlight behaviour. From economic incentives to personal preferences, we explore why individuals choose to balance multiple roles. The fourth section includes sector-specific research that sheds light on broad moonlighting across sectors. We explore how moonlight and gig economy trends align with traditional employment models. The relationship between moonlighting and organizational commitment is explored in Section V. We examine whether moonlighting affects loyalty, participation, and performance in an employee’s primary job. Our paper concludes by summarizing the main takeaways and proposing avenues for future research. Moonlighting is a multifaceted phenomenon, and understanding its implications is critical for employees and employers alike. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on career mobility, and provides insights for policy makers, HR professionals, and scholars alike. As organizations adapt to the changing landscape, acknowledging and addressing moonlighting practices becomes essential for sustainable workforce management.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Traditional Recruitment and Selection Practices in a Technologically Dominated Economy

In the contemporary business environment, there is a need for firms to plan and implement proactive traditional recruitment and selection, especially regarding employees working in the gig economy. However, the poor handling of traditional recruitment and selection processes can significantly affect the quality of employees and their performance in an organisation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional recruitment and selection practices in a technologically dominated economy. The importance of attracting and selecting a highly skilled workforce in a tight and competitive market has made adopting best practices in recruitment and selection by organisations critical. Firstly, the study highlighted various traditional recruitment and selection methods in organisations. Secondly, the overall recruitment and selection process was identified. Finally, strategies to mitigate the identified challenges faced in the traditional recruitment and selection process were suggested. The study was qualitative, adopting the survey strategy. Purposive was adopted, and hematic was used for data analysis. Findings revealed that traditional recruitment and selection as a practice is important for both employees involved in the gig economy. Importantly, the strategic approach to traditional recruitment and selection practices is vital and should be the cornerstone of any projected recruitment and selection process in a gig economy. Results validate the critical role of the traditional recruitment and selection process in achieving organisational aims and objectives in a technologically dominated economy. The study also proves that collaborative methods are central to the success of any traditional recruitment and selection process. Recommendations affirmed that recruitment and selection should be planned and well implemented. Human resource planning was also measured to be vital and emphasis on significant features of traditional recruitment and selection as a process such as having a place a well and implemented traditional recruitment and selection policy was asserted.

Leveraging brand reputation for job engagement in the digital food delivery context

The rise of alternative work arrangements, driven by technological advancements, has become a significant aspect of the gig economy, particularly in the digital food delivery sector. The appeal of flexible work and instant deliveries offered by food delivery apps represents a key trend within the gig economy, and lay the forefront of gig workers' organizational commitment and job engagement. This study empirically examines the association between digital food delivery and the job engagement of gig workers. Although, for gig workers who seek opportunities on digital platforms, it is essential for them to become partner with a reputable brand mainly to showcase their best selves to potential employers. Hence, the study explores the effect of brand reputation as a moderator on the relationship between gig workers' organizational commitment and job engagement. The survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 354 gig workers in the digital food delivery industry, primarily from metropolitan areas. In this study, a two-step approach was employed to analyze the relationship between the variables. Initially, a theoretical model was developed based on the strategic paradigm found in the literature. Subsequently, structural equation model analysis was performed to identify significant associations between the variables. The results of the study demonstrated a significant positive relationship between digital food delivery and the job engagement of gig workers. Additionally, the moderating effect of brand reputation was observed, with a more substantial impact seen among workers employed by brands with a strong reputation. These findings suggest that digital food delivery platforms and brands should prioritize improving gig workers' job engagement. Finally, the study discussed implications and recommendations for future research.