Arbeiderdrevet innovasjon i gig-økonomien: En modell for bærekraftige og etiske praksiser

Abstract

The gig economy, characterized by flexible work through digital platforms, has grown rapidly, creating unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable and ethical practices. This thesis, "Worker-Driven Innovation in the Gig Economy: A Model for Sustainable and Ethical Practices," introduces the Bidirectional Worker-Driven Innovation Model (B-WDIM). The B-WDIM addresses systemic gaps in the gig economy by integrating worker feedback into innovation processes for sustainable and ethical practices. This is a comparative case study of two South African gig economy platforms, SweepSouth and Bolt, examining existing ethical (or unethical) practices and the potential of the B-WDIM. Findings indicate that integrating worker feedback can improve job satisfaction, safety, and income stability. However, issues like worker misclassification and algorithmic management persist, necessitating robust regulatory frameworks and stakeholder participation for fair treatment. The B-WDIM proposes a governance structure, aligning platform oversight with worker participation, promoting responsible innovation. This research offers practical strategies for implementing the B-WDIM and emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation to worker needs, contributing to the discourse on gig economy reforms.