Work in the Gig Economy

Throughout the last decade, the ‘gig economy’ has emerged as one of the most significant developments in the world of work. As a novel, hyper-flexible form of labour, gig work features a uniquely fragmented working arrangement wherein independent workers partner with digital platform organisations to provide a range of on-demand services to customers. Work in the Gig Economy: A Research Overview provides a concise overview to the key themes and debate that encompass the gig economy literature. It covers five core themes: an introduction to gig work; classification issues; the role of technology; the experiences of gig workers; and the future of gig work. As an emerging and diverse research field, contributions stem from an array of perspectives including psychology, sociology, human resource management, legal studies, and technology management. The chapters synthesise the most prominent insights into this emerging field, key thinking on the complex relationships and conditions found in gig work, and the most significant issues to be addressed as the gig economy continues to develop. A critical introduction for students, scholars and reflective professionals and policymakers, this book provides much needed direction through the rapidly growing and expansive body of research on work in the gig economy.

"This is a timely and important book that examines the development and implications of gig work. Technological change is impacting on how, where and when work takes place, under what conditions, and how it is organised and remunerated. The algorithmic management processes supporting gig work are being applied to the conventional workplace and working arrangements. The relevance and significance of this book extends beyond the online economy." John Burgess, Professor of Human Resource Management in the School of Management, RMIT University."This book is a must read for everyone interested in HRM in the platform-enabled gig economy. Besides addressing definitional questions, it touches upon important puzzles that characterize online labor platforms, including: algorithmic management, multi-party working relationships, and gig worker experiences." Dr. Jeroen Meijerink, Assistant Professor of Human Resource Management, University of Twente, The Netherlands"This authoritative, wide-ranging and critical book is essential reading for anyone interested in work in the gig economy. The authors provide key insights on gig work and algorithmic management, showing convincingly how these challenge our current understanding of working relationships, job quality and people management. I highly recommend it." Professor Anne Keegan, University College Dublin, Ireland

James Duggan is a Government of Ireland PhD Scholar at Cork University Business School, University College Cork.Anthony McDonnell is Full Professor of Human Resource Management, Head of the Department of Management and Marketing, and co-Director of the HR Research Centre at the Cork University Business School (CUBS), University College Cork.Ultan Sherman lectures in Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management at Cork University Business School, University College Cork.Ronan Carbery is Senior Lecturer in Management at Cork University Business School and co-director of the HR Research Centre at University College Cork.