scholarly journals Re-thinking gig economy in conventional workforce post-COVID-19: a blended approach for upholding fair balance

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manjari Mahato ◽  
Nitish Kumar ◽  
Lalatendu Kesari Jena
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Employee Morale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Skill Sets ◽  
Gig Economy ◽  
Job Opportunities ◽  
Management Functions ◽  
Fair Balance

PurposeDespite the trend, managing and maximizing the effectiveness of blended workforce is not well-understood. The purpose of this paper is to institutionalize a blended workforce model in the post-COVID era, that is, a movement from homogenous workforce to heterogenous workforce of full-time employees working in tandem with gig talents connected via digital platforms.Design/methodology/approachThe evolution of gig economy is presented for contextualizing the development of prospective business models in the post-COVID era to establish clarity on the relationship between the employers and the blended workforce. To achieve this conceptual switch, a framework is proposed to support this type of workforce for creating a fair balance.FindingsBy drawing on the concepts of various talent management functions, propositions were made predicting that the alignment of the multilateral activities of the gig workers with permanent workforce will be leveraged in the future to address the needs of short-term specialized skill-sets and scalable operations while creating a fair balance through a flexible and agile workforce.Originality/valueFirst, the paper explores how bridging the gap between the traditional and gig workforce can impact the key antecedents of a blended workforce ensuring a fair trial. Second, on an economical level, the COOKIE framework proposed in the paper is expected to play a crucial role in creating new job opportunities, boosting employee morale while minimizing costs and increasing productivity of the organizations.

Legitimacy building of digital platforms in the informal economy: evidence from Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eko Heru Prasetyo
Keyword(s):  
Informal Economy ◽  
Chief Executive Officers ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Sharing Economy ◽  
Bottom Of The Pyramid ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Executive Officers ◽  
Start Ups

Purpose This study aims to investigate how digital entrepreneurs develop platforms business models under an unregulated market and what approach they take to address informal economy (IE) activities. Design/methodology/approach The author used a qualitative method by interviewing sixteen respondents, including founders, Chief Executive Officers, and managers of digital-driven start-ups in Indonesia. I then analysed the interviews into several codes and themes for further discussion. Findings This study reveals distinctive approaches performed by startups within three-level institutions, namely, users, market and regulation. Each level represents digital entrepreneurs’ unique behaviour, which the author described as collective, narrative and compliant. Research limitations/implications This paper demonstrates that digital entrepreneurs leveraging informal sectors contribute to the process of formalisation. However, the author emphasise less on how it impacts informality and who receives incentives. Practical implications This study suggests appropriate strategies for entrepreneurs who build and develop a platform beyond immature setting and unveils different directions to comprehend their legitimacy building. Social implications This study also elucidates political implications such as how the dynamics between regulators’ response and entrepreneurs’ reaction shape the new regulative environment. An idea of self-regulate – entrepreneurs as actors instead of a subject of regulation – might be suitable to reflect how they overcome the bottom of the pyramid using technology innovation. Originality/value While previous studies focused primarily on sharing economy, this study provides a different array of discussion on the digitalisation of the informal economy in emerging markets.

Digital platforms in Russia: competition between national and foreign multi-sided platforms stimulates growth and innovation

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaroslav Eferin ◽  
Yuri Hohlov ◽  
Carlo Rossotto
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Policy Objective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Digital Platform ◽  
Winner Takes All

Purpose This paper aims to test the “winner-takes-all” vs the “winner-takes-some” scenarios in digital platform competition dynamics in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses an analytical reference framework to assess the emergence of digital platforms in Russia, including four elements: definition of multi-sided platforms (MSPs), platform enablers, business models and competitive dynamics. Findings This paper concludes that Russia shows that a healthy competition between national and foreign MSPs led to the emergence of a shared equilibrium, where local platforms were able to retain a significant, often majority, share vis-à-vis foreign and global platforms. Research limitations/implications This paper stands as a counterpoint to the widespread conviction that digital platform dynamics will result into a “winner-takes-all” scenario and dominance of global platforms. Practical implications This case study offers practical data and analysis that can be used to create a baseline and evaluate the dynamics of digital platforms in emerging markets. It offers data, trends and evidence on Russia’s digital economy. Social implications This research provides a logical framework to help policymakers take decisions on a policy framework to regulate platforms in emerging markets. The good outcome of competition between local and foreign platforms should emerge as a policy objective to achieve in most emerging markets. Originality/value This case study is the first baseline to assess the dynamics of competition between national and foreign digital platforms in the Russian market. It is one of the first papers to tackle the market of digital platforms in an emerging and developing economy. It tries to address the debate between “winner-takes-all” and “winner-takes some” competition equilibrium through a concrete case study in an important G20 emerging market economy.

scholarly journals What companies can learn from unicorn startups to overcome the COVID-19 crisis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Doritta Rodrigues ◽  
Matheus Eurico Soares de Noronha
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Medium Businesses ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose This paper aims to search measures that unicorn startups have implemented during the pandemic and show what lessons can be learned to help entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses to overcome the crisis. Design/methodology/approach The method is a multiple case study with five unicorn startups. This study collected data through interviews and analyzed them by the content analysis technique. Findings The findings show that the pandemic affects negatively unicorns’ businesses; that a digital business model innovation affects them positively; and that innovations moderate positively the negative impact of the crisis. Research limitations/implications Most interviewees hold operational positions. Practical implications Three actions stand out to overcome the crisis: adoption of new digital platforms; strategies to increase the network of partners; and adaptations in the provision of payment services. Originality/value The cases show that entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises need to develop capabilities to innovate in their business models, and digitalization is a solution to face the crisis and overcome it in the future.

scholarly journals Effectuation logic in digital business model transformation

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 811-830 ◽  
Author(s):  
William W. Baber ◽  
Arto Ojala ◽  
Ricardo Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Model Transformation ◽  
Business Models ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Digital Business Models ◽  
Causal Logic

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study how digital business models evolve when entrepreneurs move to new digital platforms and how this evolution is related to effectuation and causation logics. Design/methodology/approach This study applies a multiple case study approach to investigate how digital business models change in small, Japanese high-tech firms providing their innovations through different digital platforms. To investigate digital business models, this study considers the elements that comprise general business models. The case firms were selected based on size, products and transitions from physical to various digital platforms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the key decision-makers from the case firms. Findings The findings show that through digital transformation, the case firms’ digital business models evolved by following effectuation logic as well as causal logic. All the firms employed causal logic when moving to new platforms, among other actions. The case firms used effectual logic with success for product development and adjustments to their network. Especially firms providing video games relied on effectuation for high impact products. Effectual logic did not play a role at all in changes to value delivery and had only little impact on revenue structures. Originality/value This research helps understand how digitalization of platforms and subsequent moves to newer digital platforms improve a firm by changing the business model elements through effectuation and causation logics. This research extends the understanding of digital business model transformation to a more granular level, business model elements.

Negotiating labour standards in the gig economy: Airtasker and Unions New South Wales

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Minter
Keyword(s):  
Trade Unions ◽  
Business Models ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Minimum Standards ◽  
Employment Conditions ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Gig Economy ◽  
Labour Standards

The ‘gig economy’ uses digital platforms to bypass many of the regular responsibilities and costs of employment. Ambiguity as to whether gig-economy workers are independent contractors, dependent contractors or employees allows the undermining of traditional labour standards governing minimum wages and other legislated employment conditions. Labour law and institutions need to catch up to the new reality of this form of work and develop new tools to protect and enhance minimum standards for workers in digital platform businesses. Unions, business and government all have a role to play in the long term. Meanwhile, direct engagement between these new firms and workers’ advocates can also help to mitigate the risks posed to labour standards by digital business models, by addressing regulatory gaps. This article is a case study of innovative negotiations between one platform business (Airtasker) and Unions New South Wales, a peak trade unions body in New South Wales, Australia, in order to establish agreed minimum standards for engagements negotiated through this platform.

Mexico's digital economy faces labour reform pressures

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Upper Secondary School ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Gig Economy ◽  
Upper Secondary ◽  
Gender Based

Significance The bill will be debated when the new legislature elected in the June 6 mid-term elections is sworn in and starts sessions in September. Besides this bill, the Senate (upper house) is considering three other initiatives to redefine the labour relationship between platforms and their contracted services providers. Impacts High drop-out rates among students in upper secondary school and higher education will increase the number of young gig workers. Women will continue to represent a minority of digital platforms’ workers, widening gender-based economic inequality. Regulations to improve working conditions in the digital gig economy will have a limited impact on reducing Mexico’s informal economy.

India's digital economy workforce is set to expand

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Food Delivery ◽  
Digital Economy ◽  
Gender Gaps ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Gig Economy ◽  
Indian Consumers ◽  
Software Services

Significance Not only has the range of software services provided widened, but a host of other services are being delivered remotely and in person through digital platforms to Indian consumers. This diversification is changing the working conditions of India’s burgeoning digital economy workforce. Impacts Wages in the digital gig economy will fall as more workers enter this segment. Platform work in unskilled areas such as food delivery will lower India’s long-term skills base. Gender gaps in the digital economy will persist given the lack of policy correctives.

scholarly journals Inequality, Social Mobility and the New Economy: Introduction

2017 ◽  
Vol 240 ◽  
pp. R1-R4
Author(s):  
Heather Rolfe
Keyword(s):  
Labour Market ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Gig Economy ◽  
New Business ◽  
Traditional Work ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Ethnicity And Gender

The world of work is changing in ways that were not anticipated at the start of the century. Technology, globalisation and the creation of new business models based on digital platforms are creating new types of jobs, contracting arrangements and transactions. As Diane Coyle describes in her paper on work in the digital economy, temporary and flexible contracts are proliferating, with an estimated 905,000 people on ‘zero hours’, 29 per cent higher than in 2014. While remote working has been common in sectors such as IT for some time, the workplace itself has transformed for many and is in some cases virtual rather than physical. These changes offer opportunities for some, including those who are excluded from traditional work modes, and challenges for others. Platform models such as the on-line marketplace Etsy may facilitate access to the formal labour market for the economically inactive or long-term unemployed but offer little social protection. Regardless of the outcome of current legal disputes over the employment status of ‘employees’ or ‘service providers’ in the ‘gig’ economy, because of difficulties in enforcement, these new forms of work carry a strong potential to exacerbate inequalities in the labour market which are apparent in disparities by social class, ethnicity and gender.

Women gig workers raise pressure for labour reform

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Population Ageing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Gig Economy ◽  
Technology Platforms ◽  
Care Economy ◽  
And Storage ◽  
New Jobs

Subject Women in the gig economy. Significance Work in the ‘gig economy’ relies on digital platforms to bring workers and purchasers of their services together. It has brought new jobs for women but also reinforced existing gender divides in the labour market, with more women, for example, in domestic work than in transport and storage sectors of the gig economy. Impacts The 'care economy' will grow considerably in developed countries due to population ageing and cuts in government funded services. Collective action among female gig workers in isolated domestic spheres will be difficult. Technology platforms themselves could become the forums through which gig workers organise for better working conditions.

scholarly journals Digital platforms and European Union law – challenges from a perspective of multilevel constitutionalism

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-39
Author(s):  
Graça Enes
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Business Models ◽  
New Technology ◽  
New Economy ◽  
European Union Law ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Digital Revolution ◽  
Gig Economy ◽  
European Court ◽  
Regulatory Challenges

Present economy and society are under a “digital revolution”. Digital platforms connect service and product suppliers to recipients all around the world creating new businesses and changing business models in place. Old-fashioned informal gig-economy and sharing practices by using the new technology seem to change consumption and production patterns to more efficient and sustainable ones… or maybe not. This “new economy” also poses several challenges to law questioning the adequacy of concepts and regulations in force. Disputes with authorities and incumbent industries end up in violence or in courts, including the European Court of Justice. We intend to give an overview of those challenges, especially in light of European Union law and following a multilevel constitutionalist approach, which we believe is best suited to respond to the regulatory challenges of this “new economy”.

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