TY - JOUR
T1 - ALGORITHMIC MANAGEMENT OF WORK ON ONLINE LABOR PLATFORMS
T2 - WHEN MATCHING MEETS CONTROL1
AU - Möhlmann, Mareike
AU - Zalmanson, Lior
AU - Henfridsson, Ola
AU - Gregory, Robert Wayne
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.
PY - 2021/12
Y1 - 2021/12
N2 - Online labor platforms (OLPs) can use algorithms along two dimensions: matching and control. While previous research has paid considerable attention to how OLPs optimize matching and accommodate market needs, OLPs can also employ algorithms to monitor and tightly control platform work. In this paper, we examine the nature of platform work on OLPs, and the role of algorithmic management in organizing how such work is conducted. Using a qualitative study of Uber drivers’ perceptions, supplemented by interviews with Uber executives and engineers, we present a grounded theory that captures the algorithmic management of work on OLPs. In the context of both algorithmic matching and algorithmic control, platform workers experience tensions relating to work execution, compensation, and belonging. We show that these tensions trigger market-like and organization-like response behaviors by platform workers. Our research contributes to the emerging literature on OLPs.
AB - Online labor platforms (OLPs) can use algorithms along two dimensions: matching and control. While previous research has paid considerable attention to how OLPs optimize matching and accommodate market needs, OLPs can also employ algorithms to monitor and tightly control platform work. In this paper, we examine the nature of platform work on OLPs, and the role of algorithmic management in organizing how such work is conducted. Using a qualitative study of Uber drivers’ perceptions, supplemented by interviews with Uber executives and engineers, we present a grounded theory that captures the algorithmic management of work on OLPs. In the context of both algorithmic matching and algorithmic control, platform workers experience tensions relating to work execution, compensation, and belonging. We show that these tensions trigger market-like and organization-like response behaviors by platform workers. Our research contributes to the emerging literature on OLPs.
KW - Algorithmic management
KW - Uber
KW - control
KW - matching
KW - meta-organizations
KW - online labor platforms
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85180801934&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.25300/MISQ/2021/15333
DO - 10.25300/MISQ/2021/15333
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AN - SCOPUS:85180801934
SN - 0276-7783
VL - 45
SP - 1999
EP - 2022
JO - MIS Quarterly: Management Information Systems
JF - MIS Quarterly: Management Information Systems
IS - 4
ER -