A New Era of Control: Understanding Algorithmic Control in the Gig Economy

2022 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 2

Authors: Weber, Matthias; Remus, Ulrich; Pregenzer, Michael

Abstract: With the promise of autonomy, flexibility, and "being your own boss" the gig ec ... Expand

Abstract: With the promise of autonomy, flexibility, and "being your own boss" the gig economy is growing to be one of the most important economic and social developments of our time. This growth is possible due to the platform's reliance on algorithmic control, which comprises the use of algorithmic technologies to control and align workers' behavior. Conducting a multiple-case study on the use of algorithmic control in two app-work platforms (Uber & Mjam) and two crowdwork platforms (Upwork & Freelancer) on the basis of established control concepts, we develop a holistic understanding of algorithmic control and show how platforms realize this new form of control along three dimensions: control allocation, control formalization, and control adaptiveness. We contribute also by introducing the concepts of control artifacts and internalized control as a step forward in explaining algorithmic control phenomena. Collapse

Topics: Uber mobile application Upwork crowdsourcing platform worker

Methods: multiple case study triangulation qualitative content analysis ethnography computational algorithm

When Callings Are Calling: Crafting Work and Leisure in Pursuit of Unanswered Occupational Callings

2010 | Organization Science | Citations: 11

Authors: Berg, Justin M.; Grant, Adam M.; Johnson, Victoria

Abstract: Scholars have identified benefits of viewing work as a calling, but little resea ... Expand

Abstract: Scholars have identified benefits of viewing work as a calling, but little research has explored the notion that people are frequently unable to work in occupations that answer their callings. To develop propositions on how individuals experience and pursue unanswered callings, we conducted a qualitative study based on interviews with 31 employees across a variety of occupations. We distinguish between two types of unanswered callings—missed callings and additional callings—and propose that individuals pursue these unanswered callings by employing five different techniques to craft their jobs (task emphasizing, job expanding, and role reframing) and their leisure time (vicarious experiencing and hobby participating). We also propose that individuals experience these techniques as facilitating the kinds of pleasant psychological states of enjoyment and meaning that they associate with pursuing their unanswered callings, but also as leading to unpleasant states of regret over forgone fulfillment of their unanswered callings and stress due to difficulties in pursuing their unanswered callings. These propositions have important implications for theory and future research on callings, job crafting, and self-regulation processes. Collapse

Topics: marketing management customer service IT career pseudonymity organizational culture

Methods: qualitative interview theory development survey survey design longitudinal research

Theories: psychological theory regulatory focus theory