 Understanding the viability conundrum in online crowdwork: The costs of unprecedented autonomyWard van Zoonen and Anu E. Sivunen Journal of Business Research, 2024, vol. 185, issue C Abstract: Online crowdwork is an increasingly established phenomenon in the labor market, offering millions of workers opportunities for non-standard employment. However, the new psychological contract for such workers is characterized by various challenges. This study investigates online crowdworkers’ viability challenge, focusing on the interplay between individual income dependence, perceptions of pay inadequacy, autonomy, and locus of control. While online crowdwork provides autonomy and flexibility, such benefits may come at a steep price for workers. Our study, based on data from 581 crowdworkers, reveals that a viability challenge exists, driven by individual income dependence and perceived pay inadequacy. Autonomy serves as a buffer. Importantly, workers with a strong internal locus of control navigate challenges better, particularly in managing perceptions of inadequate pay and harnessing the autonomy of online crowdwork. These findings shed light on workers’ ability to navigate the viability challenges associated with online crowdwork. Keywords: Viability Challenge; Autonomy; Dependency; Stress; Pay inadequacy; Crowdwork (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:185:y:2024:i:c:s0148296324004168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.114912 Access Statistics for this article Journal of Business Research is currently edited by A. G. Woodside More articles in Journal of Business Research from Elsevier |
Is your work missing from RePEc? Here is how to contribute.
Questions or problems? Check the EconPapers FAQ or send mail to .
EconPapers is hosted by the
School of Business at Örebro University.