Does algorithmic control affect gig workers motivation? A critical review from socially responsible business perspective

Shalini Sharma, Shikha Bhardwaj, Bhumika Gupta () and Uthayasankar Sivarajah
Additional contact information
Shalini Sharma: GNIOT Institute of Management Studies
Shikha Bhardwaj: IIM Sambalpur - Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur
Bhumika Gupta: LITEM - Laboratoire en Innovation, Technologies, Economie et Management (EA 7363) - UEVE - Université d'Évry-Val-d'Essonne - Université Paris-Saclay - IMT-BS - Institut Mines-Télécom Business School - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris], IMT-BS - MMS - Département Management, Marketing et Stratégie - TEM - Télécom Ecole de Management - IMT-BS - Institut Mines-Télécom Business School - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris]
Uthayasankar Sivarajah: Kingston University [London]

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Abstract: Gig economy is on a steep rise after the onset of the pandemic because employers are more interested in smaller pieces of jobs being taken up by gig workers thereby saving on the investment of full-time resources. Motivation among gig workers has always been debatable and more so with the onset of algorithmic control on their work. The gig economy is often questioned for being socially responsible because of individualised arrangements between employer and employee on the matters of minimum wage, holidays, sick leaves and other benefits. This research is an attempt to analyse the gig workers' motivation working with algorithmic control at work from the perspective of socially responsible behaviour of organisations. The study is grounded on two motivation theories: self-determination theory (SDT) and social exchange theory (SET). The critical review identifies the gap between gig workers' expectations and reality that raises many ethical questions for digital platform businesses from a socially responsible behaviour lens. The findings suggest establishing more meaningful HR practices and adopting socially responsible IT-enabled control on gig workers that facilitates motivation and trust in organisations.

Keywords: Motivation; Social exchange theory; Self-determination theory; Socially responsible; Gig workers; Algorithmic control (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-01-23
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Published in Suraksha Gupta; Parth Patel; Arijit De. Socially responsible business models for international brands, 3, World Scientific Publishing, pp.159-179, 2026, Emerging issues in international business and global strategy, 978-981-98-1490-9. ⟨10.1142/9789819814916_0008⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05594484

DOI: 10.1142/9789819814916_0008

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