Implications of algorithmic management on careers and employment relationships in the gig economy - a developing country perspective

被引:5
作者
Adekoya, Olatunji David [1 ]
Mordi, Chima [2 ]
Ajonbadi, Hakeem Adeniyi [3 ]
Chen, Weifeng [4 ]
机构
[1] Univ East London, Royal Docks Sch Business & Law, London, England
[2] Brunel Univ London, London, England
[3] Birmingham City Univ, Birmingham City Business Sch, Dept Management, Birmingham, England
[4] Brunel Business Sch, Uxbridge, England
关键词
Algorithmic management; Uber; Bolt; Digital platforms; Careers; Employment relationship; Gig economy; Labour process theory; Nigeria; EMOTIONAL LABOR PROCESS; SHARING ECONOMY; WORK; PLATFORMS; CRITIQUE; HEART;
D O I
10.1108/ITP-01-2023-0064
中图分类号
G25 [图书馆学、图书馆事业]; G35 [情报学、情报工作];
学科分类号
1205 ; 120501 ;
摘要
PurposeThis 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/approachThis 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.FindingsThis 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/valueThe 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.
引用
收藏
页码:686 / 713
页数:28
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