The organisation and experience of work in the gig economy
From Digital Culture & Society
Contents |
[edit] Title
The organisation and experience of work in the gig economy
[edit] Article Reference
Kaine, S., & Josserand, E. (2019). The organisation and experience of work in the gig economy. Journal of Industrial Relations, 61(4), 479–501.
[edit] Article Link & D.O.I.:
https://journals-sagepub-com.proxy.library.brocku.ca/doi/full/10.1177/0022185619865480
D.O.I.: 10.1177/0022185619865480
[edit] Context
In the article "The Organisation and Experience of Work in the Gig Economy" by Sarah Kaine and Emmanuel Josserand, the emphasis is on the personal stories and experiences of individuals navigating the gig economy. This evolving labor market, characterized by short-term, flexible jobs often connected through digital platforms, profoundly influences many people's lives. Covering sectors like ride-sharing, food delivery, and crowdsourcing, the gig economy extends beyond a mere business model; it signifies a shift in the intersection of work and life in today's society. This new economy challenges traditional notions of employment, focusing on fleeting tasks rather than secure, long-term careers. The changes bring both freedom and instability, altering not just employment practices but also perceptions of job security, work-life harmony, and personal satisfaction. Kaine and Josserand's article delves into the human aspect of this transition, shedding light on the tangible effects on individuals in this flexible yet often unpredictable work environment.
[edit] Overview
The article by Sarah Kaine and Emmanuel Josserand provides a compassionate and insightful overview of the gig economy, emphasizing the human experiences within this modern labor landscape. It serves as an introduction to a special issue, offering a nuanced understanding of how gig work, facilitated by technology, impacts the lives of workers. The authors delve into the complexities of job quality, identity, and the influence of algorithmic management in gig work. Their narrative goes beyond statistics and economics, touching on the personal stories and challenges faced by gig workers. This approach humanizes the gig economy, presenting it not just as a business model but as a realm where real people with diverse needs and aspirations navigate their work lives. Kaine and Josserand’s work stands out in its empathetic examination of gig workers' experiences, bringing to light the joys, struggles, and adaptability of individuals in this ever-evolving work environment.
[edit] Research Design and Hypothesis
This article adopts a research design centered on a systematic literature review and utilizes the text mining software Leximancer. This approach involves an in-depth analysis of existing academic work on the gig economy, resulting in an objective and comprehensive understanding of the field. By analyzing the frequency and patterns of key terms and concepts in the literature, they aim to identify the main themes and discourses that shape our understanding of the gig economy. Their hypothesis was that a detailed and systematic analysis of the literature would reveal key themes, gaps, and future research directions in gig economy research. They expect to reveal insights into the organization of gig work, the experiences of gig workers, and the interplay between gig work and technology platforms. This assumption reflects a commitment to a rigorous, data-driven approach to understanding the complexities of the gig economy.
[edit] Strengths and Weaknesses
Sarah Kaine and Emmanuel Josserand's article "The Organisation and Experience of Work in the Gig Economy" offers an insightful exploration into the gig economy, marked by both significant strengths and notable weaknesses. A major strength lies in its comprehensive analysis; the article utilizes a systematic literature review coupled with text mining, which allows for an extensive and objective overview of the existing research. This methodological rigor is a crucial aspect, as it minimizes researcher bias and ensures a data-driven exploration of key themes in gig economy literature. Additionally, the article provides multifaceted insights into various aspects of gig work, including job quality, worker identity, and the impact of technology, offering a rich and nuanced understanding of the gig economy. However, the article also has its limitations. Its reliance on secondary research means it lacks primary data or direct accounts from gig workers, which could have added depth and personal perspectives to the study. This approach risks overgeneralizing the gig worker experience, potentially missing out on the complexities and individual nuances. Furthermore, while the article excels in its academic exploration, it offers limited practical applications or solutions to the challenges faced by gig workers, thereby missing an opportunity to influence policy or practice directly. Overall, Kaine and Josserand's work is an important academic contribution, yet it could be enriched with firsthand experiences and more focus on practical implications for the gig economy.
[edit] Assessment
They provide a valuable academic contribution to the understanding of the gig economy. Its strength lies in its comprehensive and systematic approach to literature review, utilizing text mining to objectively analyze existing research. This methodology not only ensures a thorough exploration of the subject but also minimizes bias, leading to a well-rounded understanding of the gig economy's complexities. The article successfully highlights key themes and gaps in the literature, paving the way for future research. However, its reliance on secondary data limits the depth of personal insights, as firsthand experiences from gig workers are absent. Additionally, while the article excels in theoretical exploration, it lacks practical recommendations for addressing the challenges within the gig economy. Overall, Kaine and Josserand's work stands as a significant scholarly resource, offering a solid foundation for further investigation, but would benefit from incorporating more empirical data and practical solutions.
[edit] My Signature
Yiming Sun 20:36, 1 December 2023
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