Work in the Gig Economy: A Research Overview

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.

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.